Main Differences Between Seafreight Express Delivery and Curbside Delivery

Sea freight express delivery and card delivery are two different logistics service models, and they have significant differences in terms of transportation methods, applicable scenarios, and customer experience. With the continuous development of global trade, more and more businesses and individuals choose to use sea freight for international cargo transportation. However, in specific operations, how to select the appropriate mode of transportation has become a carefully considered issue. This article will analyze the characteristics of sea freight express delivery and card delivery from multiple perspectives and discuss them in conjunction with relevant news reports.

First, let us clarify what sea freight express delivery is. This model typically refers to the service of bulk cargo transportation through large container ships. The advantage of express delivery lies in its ability to provide relatively stable prices and service quality, especially suitable for enterprises or individual users who are not particularly urgent about time but hope to obtain reliable transportation guarantees. For example, in recent years, the cross-border e-commerce industry has flourished, and many merchants on e-commerce platforms have adopted the express delivery method to ship goods to overseas consumers. According to an annual report released by a well-known cross-border e-commerce platform, the number of cross-border orders completed through express delivery on the platform increased by approximately 40% in the first half of 2025, indicating that an increasing number of merchants are beginning to favor this approach.

In contrast, card delivery is a more flexible option. Card delivery refers to the use of trucks as the main mode of transport for shortor medium-haul cargo transfer. Compared to express delivery, the greatest feature of card delivery is its high flexibility. It can adjust route planning according to customer needs, and even achieve door-to-door service. This is particularly important for some companies that need to quickly respond to market changes or face emergencies. For instance, after a recent natural disaster, a food company chose card delivery services to quickly transport relief supplies to the disaster area. Due to complex traffic conditions in the disaster area, traditional railway or air transport was difficult to meet the demand, while card delivery successfully completed the task thanks to its strong mobility.

Besides the aforementioned functional differences, there are also significant differences in their cost structures. Generally speaking, the cost of express delivery is lower because it relies on economies of scale to reduce the transportation costs per unit of goods; while although the single-shipment cost of card delivery is higher, it does not require additional payment for port handling fees and other ancillary expenses, making it still attractive for certain types of goods. With the advancement of new energy vehicle technology, card delivery may further reduce costs and reduce environmental pollution in the future.

It is worth noting that in actual applications, express delivery and card delivery are not entirely opposing concepts but can complement each other. For example, in long-distance inter-country transportation, companies may first use express delivery to transport goods to major cities in the destination country, and then distribute them to more remote areas through card delivery. Such a combination strategy not only improves overall efficiency but also reduces comprehensive costs.

In conclusion, whether it is express delivery or card delivery, each has its unique advantages and limitations. When making decisions, enterprises should fully consider their own business characteristics, target markets, and budget constraints. At the same time, with the development of technology and changes in market demand, these two traditional modes of transportation are also innovating and improving. It is believed that in the future, they will continue to contribute more value to global supply chain management.