How to choose the best route for your shipments

Key insights to help you choose efficient, reliable, and cost-effective routes

As a cargo owner or freight forwarder in the international shipping industry, it’s becoming more critical than ever to choose the best routes for your shipments. Not only does this ensure timely delivery, but it also helps keep costs in check. However, choosing the right route can feel overwhelming, with so many options and variables to consider.

From my daily conversations with clients, I often hear concerns like:

  1. There are too many shipping lines offering a wide (and sometimes overwhelming) variety of routes.
  2. Different routes mean different stops at ports in various countries, which complicates planning.
  3. It’s often unclear which shipping lines are the most reliable.

     

In this post, I’ll share the key factors my clients consider when choosing the best shipping routes to help ensure their cargo reaches its destination on time and within budget.

Factors to consider when choosing the best shipping route

Each shipment is unique, with specific requirements depending on the type of cargo, destination, and the recipient’s needs. Here’s what my clients often focus on when making their decisions:

  1. Transit Times

If your recipient needs the cargo as quickly as possible, prioritize routes with the shortest transit times.

  • Look for routes with fewer stops—fewer stops typically mean faster delivery.
  • Routes with minimal transshipments (where cargo is transferred to another vessel) are also usually quicker and more reliable.
  1. Cost Considerations

Direct routes (those with no transshipments) are efficient but often come at a higher cost. My advice? Plan ahead and consider these factors:

  • Shipping prices fluctuate based on seasonal demand. If possible, schedule shipments during off-peak times to save money.
  • Balancing cost and speed is key—sometimes paying a little more for a faster, direct route is worth it.
  1. Customs Requirements

This is a critical step that’s often overlooked.

  • Different countries have different customs rules and regulations, which can complicate things if you’re not prepared.
  • Freight forwarders and logistics experts can help you navigate customs requirements smoothly—lean on their expertise to avoid delays or fines.
  1. Schedule Reliability

Shipping lines might all offer routes to your destination, but not all are equally reliable. Here’s what to consider:

  • Routes with fewer stops and transshipments are less likely to experience delays.
  • Research the reliability of shipping lines. Some have a better track record than others when it comes to sticking to schedules.
  1. Schedule Comparison

With so many shipping lines and routes available, it pays to compare your options:

  • Many shipping lines provide tools on their websites for route and schedule comparison—take advantage of these resources.
  • If you’re handling frequent shipments, consider using third-party visibility software. These tools make it easy to evaluate multiple routes side by side and choose the best one for your needs.

Final thoughts

These are the key considerations I hear from my clients when they’re selecting shipping routes. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make informed decisions and ensure smooth, cost-effective shipments.

Happy shipping!

Kristian
Kristian Jørgensen is Gatehouse Maritime's Project Coordinator and focuses primarily on the OceanIO data services.

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