When it comes to international shipping, both air freight and sea freight offer common transportation options that would ensure your cargo/shipment reaches the desired destination. Each mode of transport has its own strengths and limitations.
1. Speed: Air Freight Wins for Urgent Deliveries
Air freight is undeniably the fastest mode of international transport. Below are the stated average transit times given for both modes of transport.
| Mode | Average Transit Time |
| Air Freight | 1–7 days |
| Sea Freight | 15–45 days |
For fragile and perishable goods, they are what we refer to as time-sensitive products that require urgency on the date of arrival, thus we would suggest Air Freight services as the ideal solution.
2. Cost and Handling: Air Freight Offers Better Control but Seafreight are more Budget-Friendly.
Both shipping methods are safe and viable as transport options, but air freight has the upper hand in cargo handling and reduced exposure time.
Air Freight Considerations
- Faster delivery at a shorter transit time
- Minimal and fast handling at transit points
- Stricter security protocols
- Air Freight Costs are calculated based on chargeable weight (whichever is higher between actual weight and volumetric weight), making it expensive for bulky items
Sea Freight Considerations
- More vulnerable to weather-related delays
- Cargo might be exposed to risk due to more handling required at ports
- Better Cost Value when shipment is bulky and has higher volume
Sea Freight Cost depends on
- Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL)
- Port-to-port or door-to-door service
- Cargo weight and volume
If your goods are fragile, high-value, or sensitive, air freight may provide better protection throughout the journey.
If your goods have higher volume, general goods and are time-flexible with no deadline, sea freight will be the better solution.
When to Choose Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
| Shipping Factor | Recommended Option |
| Urgent delivery | Air Freight |
| Budget-conscious | Sea Freight |
| Small or light cargo | Air Freight |
| Bulky, heavy shipments | Sea Freight |
| Fragile or valuable | Air Freight |
| Non-urgent items | Sea Freight |
Conclusion
Choosing between air freight and sea freight depends on your shipment’s urgency, budget, and type of goods. While air freight ensures speed and security, sea freight is a cost-effective solution for large-scale, non-urgent deliveries.
