Not too fast, not too slow. (ship/plane transfers of cargo)(includes related article on unit-load carriers)

Ship/plane transfers of cargo increase at some hubs such as Miami, but the overall record is mixed.

For some shippers, air-freight transport is fast but too expensive, while ocean transport is affordable but too slow. They need something that provides them the best of both modes.

Though the overall record is mixed, combined air/sea shipping is beginning to catch on in a handful of locations, such as Miami, which has emerged as a relay point for shipments between Europe and Asia and South America.

"With our abundant warehousing and proximity to the seaport, more shippers are using Miami as a sea/air cargo distribution hub for South America," said Peter Cajigal, chief of cargo development at Miami International Airport.

Though South America has become an important market for both shippers and carriers, few them are willing to set up distribution centers in the region. "For now, it's still less risky and cheaper for companies to distribute their goods to South America from Miami," he said.

Large volumes of cargo containing multiple orders come to Miami by ship. They are either temporarily stored or immediately flown out to individual customers in South America.

"There are some very large Asian companies that have chosen Miami as an inventory center," said Leonard C. …