Step;Question;"YES" Answer;"NO" Answer

1; Is the cargo volume greater than 28–30 m³ or weight > 18 tons? - If volume is 18–30 m³ → calculate for 20'. - If volume > 30 m³ or lightweight/bulky cargo → calculate for 40'. - If weight exceeds 21 tons with volume < 30 m³ → keep 20'.;Consider a full container (FCL);Proceed to step 2 2; Volume 1–28 m³, medium-value goods, lead time 12–16 days?;LCL rail (less than container load);Proceed to step 3 3; Need delivery within 7–10 days and volume less than 3 m³?;Overland cargo line;Proceed to step 4 4; Is the cargo high-value or is the deadline critical (≤5 days)?;Air freight;Proceed to step 5 5; Do dimensions prevent container loading or is heavyweight machinery required?;Project-based road delivery (lowbed trailer, special permits);Consult with operations manager

Indicator;Threshold;Explanation

Volume;> 28 m³ (≈80% of a 40-foot container);Part of the "empty" volume is already paid for, LCL is more expensive; Weight; > 18 tons;LCL cost is recalculated by weight for heavy cargo, FCL rates are cheaper Regularity;Regular shipments (≥2 times/month);It makes sense to book a long-term slot and lock in the price Lead time;12–16 days acceptable;Rail is more stable than sea but slower than air