Global Logistics Comparison Matrix
Quick Reference
Optimize Your Supply Chain Strategy
When to Air
Use for urgent RMA, critical spares, or small high-value prototypes where lead time outweighs freight cost.
When to Ocean
Best for planned production shipments with forecasted demand and acceptable inventory buffers; lower per-unit cost.
When to DDP
Use DDP for simplified customer experience and predictable final delivery; good for high‑service programs despite higher landed cost.
Mode & Trade Term Comparison Matrix
| Option | Typical Cost | Lead Time (door‑to‑door) | Documentation & Customs | Risk & Damage | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Express (FedEx/DHL/UPS) | Very High | 1–4 days | AWB, commercial invoice, NAFTA/EUR1 as required | Low transit time = lower exposure; small parcel handling risk |
Urgent prototypes, critical spares, small high-value shipments |
| Air Consolidation (LCL Air) | High | 3–7 days | AWB, CI, packing list; grouping reduces per-unit cost | Moderate; handling at consolidation points | Planned urgent shipments with forecast; smaller cartonized volumes |
| Ocean FCL (Full Container) | Low (per unit) | 20–40 days | Bill of Lading (B/L), CI, packing list, certificates (CoC, COO) | Moderate‑Low; container protection required, longer transit exposure | High-volume production, predictable demand, heavy/bulky goods |
| Ocean LCL (Less Container) | Medium | 25–45 days | B/L, CI; additional handling at consolidation/deconsol hubs | Higher than FCL due to more handling | Lower-volume production, pilot runs where full container not needed |
| Courier / Door‑to‑Door | Very High | 1–3 days | AWB, CI; easiest for small parcels | Low for small, well-packed items | Critical spares, high-value single items, customer samples |
| Rail (Intercontinental) | Low–Medium | 12–25 days | CMR / rail documentation, CI, packing list | Moderate; fewer transshipments than ocean LCL | Time‑sensitive but cost‑sensitive flows between suitable corridors |
| Trade Term: EXW (Ex Works) | Customer bears freight & export | Varies | Exporter minimal responsibility | Higher coordination burden for buyer | When buyer wants maximum control of logistics & carrier selection |
| Trade Term: FOB (Origin) | Varies | Varies | Export customs by seller; importer handles import | Shared responsibilities; buyer manages transit risk post-ship |
Common in ocean FCL shipments where buyer owns freight |
| Trade Term: DDP | Higher (service + duty) | Varies; typically longer pre-clearance | Seller handles export, import clearance, duty & delivery | Low for buyer; seller assumes customs & duty risk | White‑glove supply, simplified customer experience, regional stocking |
Logistics Decision Guide
A quick decision map to choose the right logistics approach for a shipment or program.
INeed parts in < 72 hours?
Use Air Express or Courier for single‑unit critical spares and prototype corrections.
High volume, low urgency?
Choose Ocean FCL with pallet optimization to minimize per‑unit cost.
Simplify customer handling?
Offer DDP for end customers; use DDP + Dallas warehouse for US regional fulfillment.
Packaging Engineering & Drop Test Summary
Packaging decisions materially affect logistics costs, damage rates and customer experience. We pair engineering (foam CAD, box orientation) with validation (ISTA/ASTM drop, vibration and compression tests) to find the lowest-cost packaging that meets damage targets.
EPE / PE Foam
Cost‑effective cushioning for many electronics and subassemblies.
Urethane (CNC)
High performance and tightly supporting shapes for heavy/hard parts.
Inventory & VMI Programs
Program choice affects lead time, cashflow and service. VMI reduces buyer working capital while guaranteeing replenishment; consignment reduces risk for buyers but requires clear terms and robust reconciliation.
VMI Overview
Supplier runs replenishment to agreed min/max at customer or regional nodes; dashboards show stock and turnover.
Safety Stock & Forecasting
We model safety stock by lead time variability and service target to minimize stockouts during ramp or seasonality.
Return & Repair Pools
Regional pools in Dallas for quick replacement and repair to reduce AOG/Warranty turnaround.
U.S. Dallas Warehouse Support
Inbound & Receiving
Inspection, quarantine, sampling and acceptance with photos and report uploads to the portal.
Fulfillment & Returns
Pick/Pack, kitting, reverse logistics, refurbishment and warranty processing to reduce customer lead time.
Cost vs Lead Time- Conceptual View
| Air Express | * | ||||||
| Air Consol | * | * | |||||
| * | |||||||
| Courier | * | * | |||||
| * | |||||||
| * | |||||||
| Ocean LCL | * | * | * | ||||
| Ocean FCL | * | * | * | ||||
| 1d | 3d | 7d | 14d | 21d | 30d | 45d |
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Forecast & SKU mapping | Choose carriers and modes by SKU criticality |
| Packaging test plan | Define ISTA/vibration/drop tests and acceptance |
| Trade term selection | Balance buyer convenience vs landed cost |
| Dallas warehouse params | Define SLAs, kitting and return flow |
| VMI thresholds | Set min/max and reporting cadence |
