Moving goods.
WHAT MODES EXIST
Road Sea Air Rail, where available
WHAT DETERMINES THE CHOICE
Cost Speed Volume and weight Value of the goods Urgency
WHY VALUE MATTERS
Expensive goods justify faster transport because capital is tied up in transit.
WHAT SEA FREIGHT SUITS
Large volumes, low value per unit, predictable demand.
WHAT AIR FREIGHT SUITS
High value, urgent, low weight.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Cost per unit delivered, by mode.
WHY PER UNIT
Freight cost is meaningful only against what it carries.
WHAT CONSOLIDATION PROVIDES
Lower cost per unit through fuller loads.
WHAT IT COSTS
Waiting to accumulate volume.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether the saving justifies the delay.
WHAT TO AGREE WITH ANY CARRIER
Rates, and what is included Transit time Liability for loss and damage Documentation How claims are handled
WHY LIABILITY SPECIFICALLY
Carrier liability is usually limited and it is far below the value of most goods.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether insurance is needed separately.
WHY
Assuming the carrier covers loss is a common and expensive error.
WHAT TO INSURE
Goods in transit, at their value.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT PACKAGING
That it protects the goods for the journey and handling involved.
WHY
Most transit damage is inadequate packaging rather than mishandling.
WHAT TO TRACK
Transit times actually achieved Damage and loss rates Cost per unit
