The factors impacting free flow movement of goods include:
- Transport Costs
- Reliability and Regularity of Service
- Safety and Security
- Characteristics of goods
- Transit Time
- Packaging
- Terminal Facilities
- Insurance
Other factors to keep in mind
- The terms of the export sales contract, e.g. the buyer may stipulate that a particular mode of transport should be used.
- The location of the foreign market – naturally a destination on another continent will eliminate the road and rail option for the main transport leg.
- The location of the overseas buyer in relation to airports, sea ports and railway stations.
- The facilities at the port of destination, e.g. whether there is bulk handling or container handling equipment.