As two different modes of transportation, international maritime and rail transportation have their own advantages and disadvantages. The following is a comparative analysis from the aspects of transportation cost, transportation time, transportation capacity and safety.
1. Transport cost
The cost of international maritime transportation is relatively low, especially for a large number of goods. Due to economies of scale, unit transportation costs decrease with the increase of transportation volume. In addition, maritime transportation usually uses large ships, which can carry a large number of goods, thus reducing the unit cost of each cargo.
The cost of railway transportation is relatively high. Although the unit cost of railway transportation decreases with the increase of distance, the unit cost of railway transportation is still higher than that of maritime transportation. This is mainly due to the high fixed costs of laying tracks and purchasing locomotives for railway transportation.
2. Transportation time
The transportation time of international maritime transportation is relatively long. Because the navigation of ships is affected by water flow, wind and waves, port loading and unloading and other factors, its transportation speed is usually slower. In addition, international maritime transportation needs to pass through multiple ports and customs, which will also increase transportation time.
The transportation time of railway transportation is relatively short. Railway transportation is not affected by weather and natural conditions, and can achieve rapid and stable transportation. In addition, railway transportation passes through land routes, avoiding the complicated procedures and waiting hours of maritime transportation.
3. Transport capacity
International maritime transportation has a large transportation capacity. Large ships can carry thousands of standard boxes or hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, which can meet the needs of large-scale cargo transportation. The transportation capacity of