In all kinds of transportation modes, how to choose the appropriate transportation mode is an important issue of logistics rationalization. Generally speaking, it should be determined from the service level required by the logistics system and the allowable logistics cost. One mode of transportation or combined transportation can be used.

To determine the mode of transportation, the following five specific items can be carefully studied and considered on the basis of specific conditions:

(1) Variety of goods
The variety, nature and shape of the goods shall be described in the packaging items, and the transportation mode suitable for the characteristics and shape of these goods shall be selected. The affordability of the goods to the freight shall also be carefully considered.

(2) Transportation period
The transportation time limit must be related to the delivery date, and the transportation time limit shall be guaranteed. The transportation time required by various transportation means must be investigated, and the transportation means shall be selected according to the transportation time. Generally, the order of transportation time is air transportation, automobile transportation, railway transportation and ship transportation. Each means of transport can arrange the schedule according to its speed grouping, and the required transport time can be calculated by adding the operation time at both ends and in transit. In commodity circulation, it is essential to study the current situation of these transportation modes and carry out planned transportation. It is necessary to have an accurate delivery date.

(3) Transportation cost
The transportation cost varies with the type, weight, volume and distance of goods. Moreover, transportation costs will change with different means of transportation. When considering the transportation cost, it must be noted that there are advantages and disadvantages between the freight and other logistics subsystems. The transportation mode cannot be determined only by considering the transportation cost, but should be determined by the total cost.

(4) Transportation distance
In terms of transportation distance, the following principles can generally be followed: within 300 kilometers, transport by car; 300~500km section, transported by railway; More than 500 kilometers shall be transported by ship. It is generally economical and reasonable to adopt such a choice.

(5) Transportation batch
Due to the low cost of mass transportation, goods should be concentrated near the final consumers as much as possible, and it is a good way to reduce the cost to choose the appropriate means of transportation. Generally speaking, goods below 15~20 tons are transported by vehicles; 15~20 tons of goods are transported by railway; Commodities such as raw materials of hundreds of tons or more shall be transported by ship.