Could Ocean Be the Best Solution?
Since COVID, businesses worldwide have had to contend with increased demand, limited storage capacities, and the need for fast, reliable transportation of goods. Many businesses have focused on ocean transport as a potential solution to their shipping issues.
In addition, many businesses struggle to maintain a steady flow of goods amidst supply chain disruptions, which include:
Port delays. With consumer appetite for ecommerce trade reaching new heights, the need for efficient logistics was never more paramount. Although significant leaps have been taken to help untangle the mess, businesses aren’t out of troubled waters just yet.
Expensive shipping. There has been a significant surge in shipping expenses in the past two years, mainly owing to a blend of heightened demand and the reduced availability of services following the pandemic. There’s also fierce competition for limited space, allowing carriers to hike prices.
Material shortages. Companies grapple with material shortages across industries. The scarcity of valuable resources delays production and inflates the cost of goods. And political trade tensions and natural disasters negatively impact sectors such as automotive, pharma, and agriculture, making it even more challenging for businesses to remain competitive.
Labor shortages. The pandemic impacted the availability and cost of labor, leading to labor shortages that have affected industries worldwide.
Benefits of Ocean Transport
Ocean transport offers numerous benefits that include:
Offsetting high freight costs. Businesses looking for a budget-friendly shipping solution are moving toward ocean transport for its cost efficiency. Ocean has emerged as a go-to option for long-distance and high-volume shipments due to its stable and consistent pricing.
Shipping oversized or heavy cargo. Ocean transport continues to be one of the most economical choices when moving heavy and bulky cargo that may be too large for air transport. With various vessel types and configurations, ocean freight can accommodate cargo that would be difficult, if not impossible, to ship via other methods.
Efficiency. While air transport might be faster, ocean transport offers greater efficiency, particularly regarding large-scale shipments. By consolidating shipments onto a single vessel, businesses benefit from economies of scale, which means more affordable shipping rates per unit.
Lower carbon footprint. Ocean transport offers a lower carbon footprint than alternative shipping methods.
An Intermodal Solution
Intermodal relies on synthesizing various transport modes to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. By integrating ocean shipping in intermodal solutions, businesses can effectively move goods from the port of origin to a myriad of destinations.
One main benefit of incorporating ocean shipping in intermodal solutions is saving on costs and time. Shipping larger quantities of goods through maritime transport is both economically and environmentally efficient because of optimized processes.
Businesses also reduce their carbon footprint by capitalizing on the energy efficiency of maritime transport.
The advantages of ocean shipping include scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging the comparative advantages of maritime transportation, businesses can create seamless, cost-effective, and efficient intermodal solutions.