Today, the expansion of global markets and the operations of many large companies—thanks to technology—have enabled them to meet their needs from other countries. This is possible through international freight transport, which is recognized as one of the most important issues in today's world and a key factor in expanding global trade. Therefore, a proper understanding of international transportation methods can help achieve business goals.

If we are to define "transportation," it refers to the movement of people or goods using land, sea, or air carriers. It is different from logistics.

History shows that humans have long understood the importance of transportation and have always strived to improve it. The need to move goods across borders is the foundation of international trade. Any movement of goods between countries is called international transport, executed by forwarders and carriers.

International freight transport involves various methods and is not limited to a single approach.

Let’s explore the different methods of international transport.

Types of International Transport Methods

1. Sea Freight

Sea freight refers to the movement of goods via ships or vessels across waterways (seas and oceans). It is considered the safest method of international transport. All types of goods—regardless of weight, size, shape, or material—can be transported this way.

There are different types of ships, each suited to certain types of cargo—liquid, powdered, containerized, or heavy goods.

2. Road Freight

Road freight refers to goods being transported via heavy vehicles such as trucks. It is time-consuming due to border crossings but suitable when there are no strict time constraints.

It is generally safe but faces risks like theft, accidents, and bad weather. Transit is a common road transport method, used when crossing through third countries to reach the final destination.

3. Air Freight

Air freight refers to goods being transported via airplane. It is fast and highly secure for sensitive goods and suitable for a wide range of items. However, flights may be delayed or canceled, taxes and fuel costs are high, and some dangerous goods are not allowed due to safety risks.

A popular air method is express service, ideal for documents or small samples, ensuring the fastest delivery.

4. Rail Transport

Rail transport involves moving goods through rail networks. It is cost-effective, safe, and ideal for bulk cargo like minerals, coal, and grains. However, it’s slower and suitable mainly for locations with railway access.

5. Multimodal Transport

This is a combination of two or more transport modes—used when one method alone is insufficient. For example, sea freight may be used to a nearby country, followed by road or air transport to reach the final destination.

6. Cross Stuffing Service

Cross stuffing involves transferring cargo from one container to another when changing shipping lines at an intermediary port. Each container belongs to a specific shipping line and cannot be used in others. If the same line doesn't operate from origin to destination, the cargo must be moved to a new container at the stopover.

7. Transporting Special Goods

These include oversized, heavy, perishable (food, medicine), or dangerous goods (flammable, toxic, acidic, explosive). They require specialized equipment and strict safety measures throughout the journey.