Air Freight vs Sea Freight: Which is More Effective for Shipping Overseas?

When it comes to moving freight over long distances, there usually comes a time when a business has to take a very important decision. Air freight services, perhaps the most modern ones, sea freight which is the cheapest one. Each method bears advantages and challenges in equal measure hence the need to consider various aspects such as the speed, cost, size of the cargo and also the type of goods you are transporting. Letting us analyze further these main factors will assist you in selecting the best option for your company.

Speed: Time Sensitivity Matters

In case you need to deliver something quickly, the choice is made for you and it is air freight. Air transportation tends to be faster than the sea freight customarily, taking for example 1-3 days to cart goods from one country to another. In contrast, sea transport may take sevarl weeks to months depending on distance involved and the shipping route. Businesses which depend on quick deliveries or those which ship goods that perish very fast such as food, will find air freight ideal.

Best for:

• Shipments which are time sensitive
• Perishable or seasonal based shipments

Cost: Seeking out an economic solution versus efficiency

When it comes to cost is where sea freight most of the time emerges the victor. Transportation of products by sea is mostly far cheaper than other modes especially for oversized and bulky packages. Sea freight is charged by the size of the container occupied therefore one can fill the container with the goods and ship them at a lesser cost per unit. Air freight, while it takes less time, is costlier especially when shipping oversized freight as the costs are charged based on size and weight.

Best for:

• Shipments that are price conscious 
• Shipping of big and heavy freights

Capacity and Flexibility: Availability of Space

There are bulky goods such as cars, and machines, Sea freight is able to carry large weights and volumes and this bulk service option helps businesses who do bulk shipping. In any case, air freight, although more due to its speed, has restrictions on cargo size, weight due to the aircrafts making it more ideal for lighter items.