International Logistics

Ocean Freight: The most used mode in foreign trade, moving 80% of global volume. Cheap for large volumes, but slower (15-45 days between Brazil and Asia).

Air Freight: Fast (3-7 days), ideal for high-value or urgent goods. Costs 5-10x more than ocean. Volumetric weight is the deciding factor.

Road Freight: Used in land transport, especially for Mercosur and borders. Door-to-door flexibility.

Rail Freight: Competitive cost for heavy cargo over long distances. Growing in Brazil with network concessions.

Multimodal: A combination of two or more modes. E.g. ocean + road. More efficient for complex routes.

• 20' Standard (TEU): 33.2 m³ — standard for general cargo
• 40' Standard (FEU): 67.7 m³ — double the 20' capacity
• 40' High Cube: 76.4 m³ — 30cm taller, ideal for bulky cargo
• Reefer (Refrigerated): For perishables, with temperature control
• Open Top: Open roof for cargo that doesn't fit through the door
• Flat Rack: No side walls for overweight/oversized cargo

International transport insurance protects against loss and damage in transit. Main coverage types:

• Broad Coverage (All Risks): Covers all risks except specific exclusions
• Particular Average Coverage: Covers partial cargo damage
• General Average Coverage: Covers losses from vessel sacrifice

The average claim window is 30 days after discharge to notify the insurer.

The World Container Index (WCI) measures ocean freight prices on major routes. Created by Drewry, it is the global benchmark for the container market.

The WCI reflects capacity supply and demand in ocean shipping. When demand is high (as in the pandemic), prices spike. When capacity exceeds demand, rates fall.

TRADEXA tracks the WCI in real time and applies the multiplier on the ocean freight map, letting importers and exporters plan costs with up-to-date data.