When you’re looking to expand your business by offering international shipping you’ll want to know the most cost-effective mode of transportation to help you make the best possible choice.
Which is better, air freight or sea freight? This article will provide you with all the information you need to know.
Air freight
If you need safe and fast deliveries then air shipments would probably be the option to choose. Air freight transport offers more security as cargo at the airport undergoes far more security checks compared to seaports.
Express shipping and fast transportation are key factors in air freight which is why shipping this way is much more expensive. It’s highly recommended that air freight is used only when the overall cost is less than 15-20% of the value of the goods. Air shipping offers specific international delivery options and these are a deferred service or an express service.
Air freight is also predictable with pre-determined departures and arrivals and significantly fewer unforeseen delays. However, air transport emits more carbon dioxide than maritime transport of goods, although by comparison if goods are damaged during transport and become unsaleable, carbon emissions will increase as products have to be discarded and replaced with new ones.
For sensitive cargo, air freight is the most environmentally friendly selection as it is the safest alternative. Letters, garments, and edibles can all be transported safely by passenger carriers, dedicated cargo planes, or special air carriers known as supercargo planes.
Bear in mind that air freight has many prohibitions and materials that are deemed hazardous that won’t be able to be transported this way. Restrictions are made on objects that contain gases, flammable items, all toxic and corrosive items, and objects that pose a risk to public health. This list is quite extensive and may make sea freight a more versatile option.
Advantages of air freight
Less warehousing: with quick customs clearance and strict timetables there’s typically less stock that needs storing.
Services readily available: if a flight is missed cargo can normally be added to a later flight and still arrive on schedule.
Lower insurance rates: compared to ocean shipping insurance rates are lower due to the relatively quick delivery.
Global access: no matter what county air freight can be easily be acquired.
Sea freight
Sea shipments are much better options for heavy and larger volumes, as the capacity offered is much greater than air freight. However, this method of transportation can take much longer, and route changes and hold-ups during the journey or at customs can result in additional delays.
Transportation by sea cargo has items packed into containers and sent to port and customs. After being cleared the shipment is loaded and started on its journey. On arrival at the destination port, the goods are passed through the customs authorities with all taxes and duties paid before being released for final delivery.
Marine cargo is extremely flexible with bulk cargo including barrels, drums, pallets, and crates. Cars, trucks, steel, and paper would be classified as neo bulk cargo, with liquid bulk covering petroleum, gas, chemicals, wines, and juices. Dry bulk incorporates coal, grain, iron ore and cement.
Ocean freight containers are obliged to be packed in a secure manner to avoid damage from unforeseen circumstances. And from a business point of view sea freight provides great access to marketplaces, simply taking a longer time to reach destinations. However, some freight forwarders are now offering expedited services with guaranteed delivery days that are now able to closely match air transit times.
Advantages of sea freight
Efficiency: regardless of the size of shipments goods will either be loaded as a complete container or a shared container making transportation extremely cost-effective.
Fewer maintenance costs: these lesser costs make sea cargo rates much more affordable.
Bulky cargo shipping capability: this mode of transport can deal with larger than usual and heavier shipments without increasing expenses.
Takeaways
- Both shipping methods provide excellent services and safety
- Both have their imperfections
- Sea freight is best for costs and for the environment
- Air freight is best for speed
- The choice will come down to needs, requirements, and your type of shipment
Need a parcel delivery from Spain?
A trusted international parcel shipping company such as DRG Solutions can help with any international courier services from Barcelona. You’ll be provided with an all in one solution for transport and logistics using a single transport company to send your goods from Barcelona worldwide.
Ground, air, and seas transport may all need to be brought together to give you the most suitable services for your shipping needs. After consultation with the experts, you’ll get the best possible options for the most affordable costs, and everything will be handpicked on your behalf, customised to suit you.
