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Sea or air freight: which is right for your shipment?
A quick comparison of cost, transit time and suitable cargo for sea freight versus air freight.
Published on Trade know-howSea freightAir freight
Choosing the right mode helps you balance cost and delivery time. Here are the basics.
Quick comparison
| Criteria | Sea freight | Air freight |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kg | Low | Several times higher |
| Transit time | Weeks | Days |
| Best for | Large, heavy cargo (LCL, FCL) | Light, high-value or urgent cargo |
| Rate basis | Per CBM or per container | Chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater) |
When to ship by sea
- Large volumes that are not urgent.
- Full container (FCL) or consolidated (LCL) loads to optimize cost.
- Heavy, bulky cargo with low value per kg.
When to ship by air
- Urgent shipments, samples and seasonal goods.
- High-value or perishable goods.
- Small shipments needing fast door delivery (can be combined with international express).
Mix and match
Many businesses split shipments: the bulk goes by sea to save money, the urgent part by air. With direct contracts with shipping lines and partnerships with major airlines, A&S Global helps you compare and choose the best option for every shipment.
