Air or sea
Air wins on speed and suits light, valuable cargo, but it is stricter about contents. Sea makes sense for large consignments with no rush, though it calls for moisture protection and patience.
Reviews
Comparing shipping methods and shipper decisions
For most senders, the choice comes down to a few forks in the road: fast or affordable, on its own or together with other cargo, to the door or to a terminal. Here we look at those choices and compare shipping methods on the points that matter to an individual or a small seller.
The right choice starts with one question: which is worse for you — late cargo or damaged cargo?
We review methods and decisions, not companies. There are no carrier rankings, prices or reviews here: everyone's terms are different and keep changing, but the principles of choosing stay the same.
Common decision points
Five decisions that senders have to make most often.
Groupage or a dedicated truck
Groupage is sensible when you have only a few pieces, but the cargo is reloaded more often. A dedicated truck travels without extra stops and transfers, which matters for fragile and large cargo.
Courier or terminal
Door delivery saves time but limits size and weight. Collecting from a terminal lets you inspect the cargo calmly on the spot, but it takes a vehicle and time.
Insure or not
A carrier's basic liability is often limited and may not cover the real value of your goods. For valuable, fragile or irreplaceable cargo, extra insurance is usually worth it.
Yourself or through a broker
For simple personal shipments, recipients often handle customs themselves. For commercial consignments and complex goods, clearance is usually entrusted to a customs broker, who is responsible for the accuracy of the declared information.
Customs (in Russian)
Catalogue of English-language articles
This section will collect standalone articles written for English-speaking readers. Each piece is prepared with their shipping questions in mind rather than translated from another language version.
- Destiny 2: Exotic Armors — Player Decision Guide
A decision guide to Destiny 2 exotic armor: setting goals, checking prerequisites, earning pieces with a fireteam or LFG, and weighing outside help safely.
- What players should know about Dota 2 winning strategies: Digital Entertainment
Dota 2 winning strategies explained as digital entertainment: core concepts, match scenarios, ways to improve, and the risks of boosting and shortcuts.
- GTA 6 Money Systems and Economy Explained: Editorial Overview
An editorial look at GTA 6 money: what Rockstar and Take-Two have confirmed, what earlier GTA games suggest, and how to read economy claims before launch.
- Aion 2 daily dungeons: Practical Overview for Players
How to approach daily dungeon routines in Aion 2: what is confirmed, what to verify in-game, solo and group planning, and the rules around paid help.
What the editors are working on
- How to ship a lithium-battery device by air without it being refused
- How to build a stable pallet from boxes of different sizes
- What a commercial invoice should say before an international shipment
- How to send a large mirror or framed artwork without damage
Editorial rules
- Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
- Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
- We do not publish advertising for carriers, delivery services or shops, rankings, prices or reviews.
Comparison of shipping methods
| Method | Speed | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Road | Medium, depends on distance and route | Vibration and temperature swings; pieces must be firmly secured |
| Rail | Below average, with transfers at stations | Delivery to and collection from the station; cargo must withstand handling |
| Sea container | The slowest | Humidity and rolling; for small cargo, waiting for a shared container |
| Air | The fastest | Strict dangerous goods rules, limits on weight and volume |
| Groupage | Depends on how quickly the load fills up | Frequent reloading; every piece must be marked |
| Courier parcel | Fast for small shipments | Tight limits on size and contents, sorting without gentle handling |
Read next
- Methods
The main ways to ship cargo — road, rail, sea, air, groupage and courier — and how they differ.
- Choosing
How to choose a carrier and what to ask before shipping, so you do not end up arguing about transit times, liability and documents.
- Safety
Dangerous goods, items you cannot ship, heavy pieces and safe loading.
Sources
- International Chamber of Commerce — Incoterms 2020
- IATA — Dangerous Goods Regulations
- Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
This information is based on the documents in force on the date of publication. International rules, carrier terms and customs requirements are updated regularly, so before you ship, check the current texts and the terms of whoever will be carrying your cargo.