Advantages of Liner Shipping and Why Shippers Prefer It

Liner shipping is the process where goods and cargo are transported from one place to the other with the aid of large ocean liners that move through a fixed frequency (with published dates), routes, and schedules. Several liner services operate today all over the world. Most of these ships sail weekly, fortnightly, or monthly from the ports of call.

Liner shipping services are carried out using various ships like general cargo, bulk containers, break-bulk containers, specialist ships, tankers, and so on. Container ships are the first choice of most shippers as they can carry maximum goods. For transporting raw materials like coal or iron ore, usually, bulk carriers are used. Oil, petroleum, and other chemicals are shipped using tankers. 

Advantages of liner shipping

• Can carry loads of goods

Liner ships can carry a lot of goods as they possess a huge capacity. It is an advantage the carrier liners enjoy over air shipping. You get the option of choosing your ship as per the size of your commodities. Cars, heavy machinery, and similar other things can be transported safely in these liner carriers. 

• Follows a definite schedule

Container liner ships follow a definite schedule and operate their services weekly, fortnightly, or monthly from the ports of call. Often the schedules are published and allow all the parties related to this business to conveniently deal with the whole process. Maersk lines schedules are one of the trusted line schedules, and shippers rely on their services extensively.

• Cost-effective

As these ships can carry a bulk amount of goods in one go, they are the cheapest mode of transporting cargo. Compared to other freight modes like the air or road, they are way more economical. It’s a favorite choice for the first party as they get to share space. It’s not that they need to book a whole container every time they want to transport some goods. 

• Environment friendly

When the whole world is trying to find ways of minimizing the effects of pollution, shipping items by ocean liners is the most suitable option for reducing carbon emissions. It produces much less exhaust gas compared to other modes of transport. Moreover, the containers that are being used for shipments are 98% recyclable, thus making the carrier liners an environment-friendly option.

• Safe mode of transport

The ships used for liner shipping are designed to carry hazardous substances safely. The freight industry is well equipped to handle such items and adhere to strict rules while moving dangerous cargo. Maritime safety has increased in the past decade, and the loss or theft of goods is a rare occurrence now. 

• The global economy depends on them

Liner shipping connects various countries, businesses, markets, places, and people all over the world. It acts as a global engine. Today the liner shipping business is responsible for transporting goods worth one-third of the total value of world trade. In addition, it has opened up various job opportunities to millions of people. 

Conclusion

This mode of transport is not only safe, cost-effective, and efficient but also environment-friendly. It also contributes to maintaining international stability and security. The liner shipping industry is no doubt the lifeline of the global economy.