Which factor is a disadvantage of ocean shipping?

Which factor is a disadvantage of ocean shipping?

• A. Long transit times.
• B. High speed.
• C. Very low potential for damage.
• D. Requires door-to-door service.

Answer: (A)

Long transit times are the main drawback of ocean shipping. Ships move slowly over long distances, and the process includes port handling, customs clearance, potential weather or congestion delays, and multiple touchpoints along the way. All of this adds to total lead time, which in turn raises inventory carrying costs and reduces supply chain responsiveness. Ocean freight shines when cost per unit and capacity are the priority, but it trades speed for savings. The other traits listed don’t capture the foundational downside: speed is not a strength of ocean shipping, and while containerized cargo reduces damage risk, it is not free from it; door-to-door service can be arranged but isn’t the defining disadvantage of the mode.

Long transit times are the main drawback of ocean shipping. Ships move slowly over long distances, and the process includes port handling, customs clearance, potential weather or congestion delays, and multiple touchpoints along the way. All of this adds to total lead time, which in turn raises inventory carrying costs and reduces supply chain responsiveness. Ocean freight shines when cost per unit and capacity are the priority, but it trades speed for savings. The other traits listed don’t capture the foundational downside: speed is not a strength of ocean shipping, and while containerized cargo reduces damage risk, it is not free from it; door-to-door service can be arranged but isn’t the defining disadvantage of the mode.