Types of Transportation in Logistics: Which Is Right for You?

Updated: February 17, 2025

As a seasoned logistics professional with experience in managing cross-border shipments between the U.S. and Canada, you oversee a significant volume of shipments to Canadian retailers and distributors. With rising transportation rates, you need solutions that will help optimize costs without compromising on delivery speed or service quality.

While Canada’s geographical closeness to the U.S. allows for relatively quick shipping times compared to other international markets, operations still need to be streamlined to enhance efficiency. There are different ways to transport products across the border, each with its unique benefits and considerations. Let’s look at the capabilities of transportation logistics and how to find the best solution for your business.

What Is Transportation Logistics?

Transportation logistics is the process of planning, executing and managing the movement of goods from one location to another. It involves coordinating various shipping modes to ensure products arrive at their destination on time and in good condition.

Key components of transportation logistics include:

Transportation management systems (TMS): This is the software you use to track and store shipment information.
Customs brokerage: This service helps with regulatory compliance and customs clearance for international shipments.
Inventory management and warehousing: Store and retrieve products with user-friendly reporting and management.

Logistics also involves managing routes, handling customs regulations for international shipments and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed. Essentially, it’s the collective process of producing, storing, delivering and distributing goods.

Transportation Logistic Challenges in Shipping From the United States to Canada

Some of the primary challenges include:

Tariffs and duties: Although the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has reduced some tariffs, businesses still need to be aware of duties applicable to specific goods. Fluctuating tariffs and import duties affect pricing strategies and profit margins.
Coordination between carriers: Managing logistics across different carriers and transportation modes complicates the supply chain. Last-mile deliveries in remote or less accessible areas can also create issues and require partnerships with local carriers.
Real-time tracking: Implementing technology that enables real-time tracking and visibility of shipments poses a challenge, especially when dealing with multiple carriers and systems.
Language differences: Although English is widely spoken, French is also an official language in Canada. This may create challenges in communication regarding documentation and customer interactions.

Logistics Transportation Considerations

Today’s customers expect their packages to arrive as quickly as possible, so picking the right way to transport goods is important for your business. The choice you make can affect how well your business does, how safely your products are delivered and how satisfied your customers will be. Before deciding on a transportation method, think about these important factors that can help you make the best choice.

The product: Consider the type of product you are shipping. Is it fragile, perishable, hazardous or bulky? Different products require specific handling and transportation methods. Each method has its own regulations for shipping specific items. Ensure that your products are packaged appropriately and in specialized carriers if necessary.
Location: Assess the distance between the shipping point and the destination. Longer distances may require different transportation methods. If you’re close to airports, ports or railroads, it can make shipping easier and more cost-effective. However, you should evaluate the ease of access to the receiving location too. Are there any geographical barriers or logistical challenges, such as remote areas or urban congestion?
Time: Determine how long it will take for your shipment to reach its destination with each method of transportation. Some methods may be faster but more costly. Then, consider the time required to prepare the shipment before you can send it.
Urgency: Assess how flexible your delivery timelines are. If timing is not critical for your consumer, you may choose less expensive transportation options. On the other hand, urgent shipments may require expedited shipping options.
Budget: Analyze the cost of different transportation methods. Staying within budget is necessary for long-term operations. Other times, paying more for faster or safer transportation is justified if it enhances customer satisfaction.
Existing relationships: Leverage relationships with existing carriers or logistics providers. Established partnerships may offer better rates or service levels due to volume agreements. Working with trusted providers can reduce risks associated with shipping delays or damage.

Comparing Different Types of Transport

Every shipping method has its advantages and considerations. See the breakdown for each transportation type to choose the best option for your business.

1. Truck Freight — Road Transportation

Truck freight is the dominant form of transportation, with around 60% between Canada and the U.S. This form of transportation is ideal for industries that require quick shipments of small packages directly to a business, consumer or warehouse as they’re equipped to handle possible delays.

Various industries rely on trans-border truck shipping, including computers, electrical machinery, vehicles, retail, eCommerce, construction and agriculture.

The top benefits of truck freight are:

Fewer restrictions: Compared to other modes of transportation, truck freight has fewer restrictions, including for heavy or hazardous materials. Trucks also have tracking systems that let you see where your shipment is in real time, so you always know its location.
Lower costs: Truck freight is economical compared to other transportation methods, as expenses related to truck maintenance and fuel are less costly.
More accessibility: Road transportation is highly accessible. Most companies have easy access to a major highway system compared to airports, railroads and ships.
More options: You have limitless options available with truck freight. Many specialized trucking companies can accommodate hazardous, oversized or perishable goods.
Door-to-door shipments: One of the most significant benefits of truck freight is the ability to ship a product directly to the consumer’s front door. Although last-mile delivery isn’t always available due to the product or location, it’s a key reason many companies choose truck freight.

Despite these benefits, there are a few factors to consider before selecting truck freight:

Time: Truck freight can take longer than other shipping methods and is more likely to face delays. Trucks usually travel at about 48 to 60 miles per hour on average, but road closures, bad weather and heavy traffic can slow down delivery times.
Control over handling: Due to how truck freight works, you have less control over how your products are treated during transport. Road travel can be rough on some shipments, and some companies may mishandle your goods. That’s why it’s essential to choose a reliable logistics company with good reviews and a strong reputation.

2. Ship — Marine Transportation

Ships are capable of carrying heavier loads for a fraction of the cost. It’s the preferred transportation method for bulk or large items that planes cannot accommodate — such as agricultural products, building supplies and metals.

Here are the main benefits of maritime transportation:

More space and weight capacity: Cargo ships range in length and can carry thousands of tons of weight. This makes them a great choice for shipping oversized items or large amounts of products at once.
Lower costs compared to air transportation: Fuel costs are lower for cargo ships than air transport. Since ships follow a regular schedule, there are fewer chances of expensive delays in shipping.
Safer shipments: Because ships have a set route and schedule, your shipment will go through minimal handling. Most of the time, it will be securely stored in a slow-moving vessel, which is better for easily damaged items.

Although ships can carry more than other transportation methods, they take much longer to deliver goods. Therefore, maritime shipping isn’t the best choice for businesses that need fast deliveries.

3. Train — Rail Transportation

Trains have always played an important part in trade and logistics. Rail transport is ideal for companies who require fast and scheduled ground freight for certain products, including mineral fuels, vehicles and motor parts.

Benefits of trail transport include:

More carrying capacity: Trains can carry heavier cargo over long distances compared to truck transportation.
Fewer delays: Trains work on a set schedule, which makes them a predictable and reliable form of transportation. Because trains operate on their own tracks, they are less likely to be delayed by traffic or bad weather, unlike trucks.
Lower environmental impact: While the environmental impact of shipping can vary, trains usually have milder effects than trucks, planes and ships because they require less fuel to move the same amount of cargo.

A couple of important factors to consider when it comes to rail transport include:

Transit time: Rail transport is slower than truck and air freight. Shipments often require multiple transfers throughout the process.
Accessibility: Trains are often not the final destination for shipments. This means that rail transport needs to be combined with truck freight for efficient delivery.

4. Plane — Air Transportation

Air transport is often the best choice for fast deliveries. It is accessible across most of the world, making it perfect for shipments that need to travel long distances quickly. Air transport is an ever-expanding industry with two significant benefits:

Speedy deliveries: Air transport is much quicker than shipping by truck or ship. Although flights can sometimes be delayed, planes generally stick to a fixed schedule. This reliability is especially important for shipping perishable items that require prompt delivery times.
Enhanced security: Airplanes offer fast delivery while ensuring the safety of goods. Strict security checks and minimal handling during flights help keep products well-protected.

However, a few downsides to consider are:

Cost: Shipping via air is more expensive than using trucks due to the higher cost of fuel and additional expenses like maintenance, checkpoints, shipping containers and special handling fees for certain materials. Ground logistics are often the more economical decision, provided guaranteed quick delivery isn’t required.
Limitations: Air transport has some restrictions. For example, there are limits on the size and weight of packages. Plus, certain hazardous materials aren’t allowed to be shipped by air. Planes have the maximum weight they can carry, which means not all products can be transported this way.

5. Combined — Intermodal Transportation

Intermodal transportation is when a shipment uses two or more transportation methods to get to its final destination. This often involves using trains and ships along with trucks that carry these shipments from the railway or port to the final destination.

The advantages and considerations depend on the type of transportation used in combination:

Same container: In many cases, the products stay in the same shipping container throughout the whole journey. This helps keep them safe and secure.
Container transfers: Sometimes, products may need to be moved from one shipping container to another during the trip.
Different requirements: Keep in mind that each type of transportation has its own rules and restrictions. Always check the guidelines for each mode to avoid issues.

Strategies for Effective Logistics and Transportation Across the Border

Shipping across the U.S.-Canada border requires a strategic approach to navigate the complexities. Try these tips to enhance efficiency, compliance and overall performance:

Build strong partnerships: Establish relationships with carriers that specialize in cross-border logistics and can assist with documentation, compliance and tariff classifications.
Plan for seasonal variations: Prepare for seasonal spikes in demand and plan logistics accordingly to ensure timely delivery. Factor in potential weather-related disruptions, especially during winter when travel can be more challenging.
Enhance last-mile delivery: Look into last-mile delivery services to address potential challenges in reaching remote areas and improve customer satisfaction.
Implement risk management strategies: Develop contingency plans for potential disruptions, such as customs delays, product recalls or transportation breakdowns. Ensure adequate insurance coverage for shipments to mitigate financial risks.

Contact Purolator International for Transportation Services

When you need fast, efficient transportation for your company, look no further than Purolator International. We offer clients hassle-free, on-time express freight and parcel shipping to the United States and Canada.

When you ship with us, you have access to an extensive logistics network with flexible solutions created to meet your company’s individual transportation needs.

Contact us to learn more about the types of logistics transportation methods we offer and what options are best suited for your company and product. You can also browse our available services online.

Contact Purolator

Dawn Downes