Selecting the most appropriate shipping method is one of the major aspects of achieving an effective international trade.
Sea freight vs Air freight: Which option is more suitable?
Determining whether to deliver freight by air or sea — indeed, no simple answer to this question, as distance, cost consideration, time sensitivity, accessibility, etc. all come into play.
We already discussed Rail freight transport versus air freight transport & Rail freight transport versus sea freight transport.
In this article, we will help you determine which option is right for you by comparing them and showing you the pros and cons of each shipping method.
Time sensitivity
Although air freight is considerably faster than sea freight, this method still requires several transshipments, yet it gets to its destination much earlier than sea freight cargo.
And the broad network of air freight means shippers can export or import their cargo globally as quickly as possible.
Air freight will take about 8-10 days, and ocean freight will take 30 days and above, door-to-door from China to the US.
This option is a sin for you when you have time sensitivity as a primary element in transporting the cargo.
However, there are times when you have to deliver the goods to the customers as soon as possible and not all shipments are time-sensitive.
Cost consideration
Regularly your cargo transportation cost which you have been valuing relies upon its weight and you need your time extraordinary.
Because of the fuel expended and the limited loading capacity of an aircraft and the capacity of a ship’s onboard cargo load, air delivery is significantly more expensive than the equal measure of sea transportation. Air freight transport is a far better choice for little lots If you can afford the higher shipping price, it’s quicker, safer, and more trustworthy than ocean freight.
Alternatively, sea freight transportation is much more cost-effective, especially for heavy shipments and if cost saving is a priority for you then sea freight transport will suit you well.
Unless, you know, you’re pressed for time.
Type of cargo
Sea freight shipping has a comparative advantage over shipping by air because of the container sizes of sea freighters that can support any type of goods and transport heavy equipment that simply is not transportable by air freight shipping.
Air cargo is suitable for shipping perishable items, such as flowers or fresh produce.
Air and its freight minimize the area between two places so that most of the perishable goods can be kept fresh.
And since air freight has a narrowing cut on the type of cargo, air freight is indeed better for unitized cargo.
Distance
It is most in demand for the most direct city-to-city transport and between nations.
The most commonly used shipping service, as with retail perishable goods need to be shipped to a certain destination in the shortest possible time.
Importantly, for long distances between ocean and sea shipments, the sea is the most efficient transportation mode.
Ecological impact
United as well as the fact that this thing has nothing to do with your sale and costs itself, but just the process of implementing eco-friendly practices is becoming more and more vital.
Ocean freight is the most carbon-efficient method to move any cargo, so it is a more viable option to conduct air and sea freight transport as it has a much lower carbon footprint.
Final Words
Transporting cargo is no longer confined to ships. Airplanes can transfer cargo much faster safer and easier.
If your shipment must reach you by a certain date, ocean freight shipping is riskier.
However, if you are not in time constraint and you are looking to ship heavy machinery or you want to keep your expenses minimal we give you the traditional sea freight transportation.