Choosing between air freight and sea freight is not simply a question of which method is cheaper. The right option depends on shipment size, urgency, product characteristics, destination, and the total cost you are willing to accept.
Air Freight
Air freight is generally faster and can be useful for urgent or relatively small shipments. Its main advantage is speed, while the cost per kilogram is usually higher.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is commonly used for larger or heavier shipments. It can offer a lower cost for larger volumes, but transit is slower and planning is usually more important.
Choosing Between the Two
Consider shipment weight and volume, required delivery date, product value, destination, available services, duties and taxes, and whether consolidation is possible.
Small shipments do not always need to go by air. Depending on the destination and available services, courier, postal, consolidated sea freight, or other options may be suitable.
Shipping should be considered before the goods are finished. Carton dimensions, weights, packaging, and other information may affect the final logistics choice.
There is no single best shipping method. The right choice balances cost, speed, shipment size, and destination. SOURDEN can help coordinate shipping options from China as part of the sourcing process.
The other half of that decision:
Want Help Weighing Up Shipping Options?
Tell us the shipment size, the destination and the date you need the goods to arrive, and we can compare the shipping options that are actually available for that order.
Packaging, carton dimensions and weight all feed into the choice, so the earlier we see them the more options there are to compare.