Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) Practice Exam

Water transportation is the most common method for intercontinental shipping primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and capacity to handle large volumes of goods. When transporting goods over long distances, especially between continents, the sheer size of cargo ships allows for the movement of substantial quantities of freight at a lower cost per unit compared to other methods.

Using cargo ships for intercontinental transport reduces the expenses related to fuel and labor, making it the preferred choice for shipping commodities, including bulk items like oil, natural gas, and raw materials, as well as manufactured products. Moreover, vessels can carry everything from large containers to liquid bulk, accommodating a wide range of goods that require transport over vast oceans.

While air transport is faster, it is significantly more expensive and typically reserved for high-value or time-sensitive shipments. Trucking is predominantly used for regional transport or as a last-mile solution after goods arrive at ports, and pipelines are mainly utilized for specific commodities like oil and gas rather than general freight. Therefore, water transportation stands out as the most efficient and versatile option for intercontinental shipping.