Choosing the right mode of transport for your goods in 2025 is more crucial than ever. As supply chain managers and procurement buyers, understanding the benefits, challenges, and costs associated with each mode is key to optimizing your operations. Let’s analyze the key differences between maritime, road, and air transport.
1. Maritime Transport: Economical but Slow
Maritime transport remains the most widely used mode of cargo transport globally, accounting for around 80% of international trade. According to the OECD, it offers competitive rates, especially for large volumes. In 2024, maritime freight costs have remained relatively stable, despite a slight increase due to new environmental regulations (reduction in CO2 emissions). However, its main weakness is the slow delivery times, with transit periods of several weeks depending on the destination.
2. Road Transport: Flexible but Subject to Local Conditions
Road transport, accounting for 12% of global merchandise exports, is the most flexible mode. In 2025, it continues to be favored for short and medium-distance trips, offering high responsiveness to urgent delivery needs. However, rising fuel costs and strict environmental regulations (such as low-emission zones) are complicating its profitability. Furthermore, strikes and weather disruptions can affect reliability.
3. Air Transport: Fast but Expensive
Air transport is the fastest, with delivery times of 24 to 48 hours for global destinations. However, it remains the most expensive mode. In 2024, air freight prices have stayed high, mainly due to post-COVID capacity shortages and rising fuel costs. It is therefore mainly used for high-value goods or urgent shipments.
The choice of transport mode depends on various factors: volume, cost, delivery time, and specific supply chain requirements. In 2025, the combination of these three modes, through multimodal strategies, is becoming an increasingly popular solution to ensure efficiency and flexibility.
Specializing in road transport across Europe, MAP TRANSPORT SA supports industries with reliable, flexible, and optimized solutions. With a vast network of partners and expertise in freight forwarding, we ensure fast, secure, and tailored deliveries to meet your needs.
