The low cost of transporting goods by sea

Have you ever wondered how much it cost to transport your newly purchased Japanese flat screen television in a container to Vancouver? Let's say you purchased a T.V. at Best-Buy for $700. The shipping cost is only $10!

Here are some more statistics about the low cost of maritime transportation;
" The typical cost to a consumer in the United States of transporting crude oil from the Middle East, in terms of the purchase price of gasoline at the pump, is about half a US cent per litre.

" The typical cost of transporting a tonne of coal from Roberts Bank to Europe by sea is about US $12."

 " The typical cost of transporting a 20 foot container from Asia to Europe ( a voyage of approximately 14 days ) carrying over 20 tonnes of cargo is about the same as the economy airfare for a single passenger on the same journey. "    ( information from Marisec/Shippingfacts )