Why Sea Freight Is Cheaper Per Ton‑Mile Than Air or Land

Shipping by sea costs less because:

1. Massive capacity – A single container ship carries 10,000–24,000 TEUs; a train or truck carries a fraction.
2. Fuel efficiency – Ships move ~1 ton of cargo 500+ miles per gallon; trucks ~150 miles, planes ~50 miles.
3. Lower labor per unit – Small crew (20‑30) manages enormous cargo volume.
4. Direct routes – Oceans offer great‑circle paths without terrain detours, stops, or congestion.
5. Economies of scale – Port infrastructure amortizes over huge volumes.

Result: ~$0.03–0.08/ton‑km by sea vs. $0.50+ by air.