Question

Compare and contrast air & ocean modes of transportation and describe in detail 3 attributes related to these two modes.

Answer 1

Air freight is usually much faster than ocean shipping. Ocean shipments may sometimes takes up to weeks to arrive.

Air freight can reach its destination in only a day or two. Whereas for ships it may takes up to  months in order to reach the destination.

Air transportation

• Fastest means of transport:

Air transportation provides the fastest movement of goods over the distant places by eliminating practically any spatial barriers.

• Consumer satisfaction:

The level of consumer service and, thereby satisfaction is very high as it is known for immediacy, speed and least damage to the goods being delivered.

• Reduced inventory holdings:

Since it can provide the fastest and uninterrupted mode of  service, capital investments in the form of stocks of goods is reduced. This attribute of air transportation is particularly important in case of perishable goods.

Ocean transportation

• It is cheaper means of transport:

Inland waterways tariffs are very low and, hence it works cheaper for both short and long distances.

• Most suitable for heavy and fragile products:

The items which are bulky and heavy and which are fragile can be moved with ease with convenience through ocean transportation.

• Loading and unloading facilities:

The exporters and importers of cargo are usually having the facilities of loading and unloading of goods.