| Condition | Factor | Examples |
| Geography | Distance, physiography, accessibility | Shipping between France and England vs. shipping between France and the Netherlands |
| Type of product | Packaging, weight, perishable | Shipping coal Shipping flowers or wine |
| Economies of scale | Shipment size | A 747 compared to 737 (passengers) A ULCC compared to a VLCC (freight) |
| Trade imbalance | Empty travel | Trade between China and the United States |
| Infrastructure | Capacity, limitations, operational conditions | The Interstate |
| Mode | Capacity, limitations, operational conditions | A bus compared to a car |
| Competition and regulation | Tariffs, restrictions, safety, ownership | The European Union, The Jones Act |