Professional transport as a strategic choice
Choosing a carrier is not a purely logistical decision. It is a trade-off that directly impacts margins, customer satisfaction and the ability to honor contractual commitments.
In France, nearly 90% of domestic freight transport is carried out by road. But depending on volumes, distances and the nature of goods, other modes (rail, maritime, air, multimodal) may prove more relevant.
Transport modes
Road transport
Flexible, fast and suited to short and medium distances. Ideal for last-mile delivery and express courier.
Maritime transport
Essential for large international flows. The container remains the reference unit. Long lead times but very competitive unit cost on large volumes.
Rail transport
Relevant for long distances and heavy goods. Cheaper than road beyond 500 km but constrained by available network.
Air transport
Reserved for high-value, perishable or urgent products. High cost but unbeatable lead times.
Further reading
Browse our other guides on professional transport.