When is using waterways for shipping most advantageous?

Using waterways for shipping is most advantageous for bulky, low-value cargo because it typically involves lower transportation costs and can accommodate large volumes of goods efficiently. Waterways provide ample space for the transportation of heavy, oversized items that may not be feasible to transport by road or air due to cost or capacity constraints. These modes of transport are not as time-sensitive as air freight and can take advantage of the slower speed of maritime shipping while still providing a cost-effective solution for moving large quantities of low-value items.

This is particularly relevant for commodities such as raw materials, agricultural products, or other bulk goods, which benefit from economies of scale when shipped in large quantities via barges or cargo ships. The infrastructure for water transport, while often slower, can handle these types of products in a way that makes the overall logistics flow more efficient, leveraging their lower cost per ton-mile compared to other modes of transport.