For international business persons, comparing air freight and ocean freight is critical. Ideally, this process requires cost, speed, the type of cargo being transported, and a level of urgency, which are some of the fundamentals to consider.

As with every other process, air freight and ocean freight have specific benefits and disadvantages; hence, it is imperative to know their differences before deciding what is best for the individual or the business.

The most recognizable pro of utilizing air freight is that it is fast and, most of the time, reliable when it comes to meeting times and deadlines. Air freight is, without a doubt, the best method when shipping high-valued or time-sensitive goods. 

However, air freight is expensive, and weight restrictions tend to be an issue. Ocean freight is a less expensive option when compared to air and is a better fit for larger or heavy shipments. Although it takes longer, there is quite a difference in the ability for businesses to transport goods in bulk at a lesser price. 

This article will answer five important questions regarding cost, speed, reliability, cargo type, and environmental impacts of air freight and ocean freight in shipping products to aid your decision.

What Is The Difference Between Air And Ocean Freight Shipping Costs?

Air freight and ocean freight differ in cost, as air freight is usually pricier. The manifest for ocean freight would be less expensive than that of air freight because operating expenses for air transportation are elevated. 

Heavy shipments can be expensive, considering the cost of volume, and airlines base their fees on weight. Fuel prices, security measures, and handling payments contribute to the increased price of air freight. 

Ocean freight does seem to be cheaper, especially for giant or oversized shipments. Freight carriers quickly charge based on the container’s size so that businesses can move the most enormous containers at more affordable, lower prices. There is also great flexibility regarding the size of the shipment. There are two shipping options: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). 

While ocean freight is cheaper, additional expenses like storage, port, and customs fees must be considered. If you wish to save the most money and are unconcerned about how long the shipment will take, ocean freight is the better option. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, air freight is likely the better choice, as cost does not matter. 

How Much Does Air Freight And Ocean Freight Differ In Velocity?

 The main difference between air freight and ocean freight is speed. Air freight is most certainly the fastest by far, especially for urgent deliveries that need to be done quickly. The usual duration for international air freight shipments to travel is between one and five days and varies depending on the destination and airline schedules.

This method is ideal when speed is essential for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Compared to air freight services, ocean freight is significantly slower. Depending on the distance, weather patterns, and port traffic accumulation, shipping can take several weeks or even months. For instance, ocean freight from China to the US can take 20 to 40 days, while air freight finishes the same route in a couple of days. 

If your business prefers quick turnaround times for sensitive shipments, air freight is the optimal choice. On the other hand, ocean freight will remain a viable option if time is not a constraint and the cost of shipping is of significant importance. Understanding the urgency of your shipment will allow you to find the most effective shipping solution. 

Which Types Of Cargo Are Best Suited For Air Freight And Ocean Freight? 

Air freight and ocean freight differ based on the type of cargo being shipped. An item’s size, weight, and sensitivity determine the effectiveness of each method, making some goods easier to ship than others. 

Highly valuable, time-sensitive merchandise, especially perishables, are best suited for air freight. Medical supplies, electronics, fashion apparel, and other fragile goods can fit into this category.

Moreover, small and light shipments have the advantage of airfreight because the costs do not exceed the price of bulky freight. However, airline rules may limit the quantity of hazardous materials, oversized goods, and liquids larger than allowed. 

Ocean freight is perfect for bulky, heavy materials such as industrial machinery, furniture, automobiles, and raw materials. It is also the most appropriate method for businesses that intend to move goods at a relatively lower cost in bulk. It is also suitable for non-urgent bulk shipments that can tolerate prolonged time frames. 

Knowing the type of your cargo will help you make the best-informed decision. If the goods in transit are small in volume, very valuable, and require a speedy delivery, the choice is airfreight. If the cargo is more significant and there are no time constraints, ocean freight is definitely the cheaper alternative.  

4. Which Is More Reliable, Air Freight And Ocean Freight?

Reliability is yet another essential feature to consider when choosing between air freight and ocean freight. Airfreight is reliable, with shipments arriving at their destination in a timely manner. Airlines stick to their set periods, and with many flights operating over the day, the likelihood that your shipment will be achieved on time is very high. Sometimes, weather conditions and mechanical problems may cause delays, but that happens very seldom.

Congestions in ports, customs, and climatic conditions can result in shipment delays. In addition, ocean vessels work bi-weekly or weekly, so their timetable further aggravates matters. Although ocean logistics can be relied upon in the case of large shipments, businesses need to worry about interruptions. 

If your business requires prompt shipments, air freight is the best option, though it is also the most expensive one. Ocean logistics remains a viable option if time is not of the essence. Balancing the cost with reliability and time sensitivity will result in actionable intel. 

5. What Approaches Should Be Used To Air Freight And Ocean Freight, And Their Environmental Impact? 

The big ticket question to answer on this topic of concern. The ecological footprint with air freight, in particular, has to be the worst. Airplanes absolutely demolish ocean liners in carbon footprint as they emit 30%-40% more CO2 per ton. The environment suffers grievously as aircraft undertake every shipment. Regardless of aggressive advancements being made towards replacing fuel engines with greener energy, it is verifiable that aviation contributes a lot to greenhouse gases. 

Conversely, ocean freight makes up for this black mark environmentally. With vessels, emission is lower because, unlike aircraft, vessels can carry a colossal amount of tonnage in a single journey.

Even though shipping vessels pollute ecosystems by burning fuel and emitting carbon dioxide, the overall damage done when compared to air freight is significantly less.  

Ocean freight is usually the favored method for green companies. Other companies are exploring greener alternatives and would like to implement carbon offset activities to minimize damage. If managing your carbon footprint is something that you value a lot, then air freight and ocean freight should be compared, and ocean freight should be favored.

FAQs

What Are The Advantages Of Maritime Transportation? 

Investing in maritime transport offers many advantages, including environmentally friendly methods of transport, the ability to ship large and bulky goods, and cheaper logistics transportation costs.

What Lowers The Cost Of Sea Freight?

Sea freight uses less fuel, moves a lot of cargo, and is the slower, more economical mode of transportation. 

List The Troubles Connected To Ocean Freight?

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments on the pros and cons of ocean freight. However, from my experience, the most troublesome aspects are prolonged transport durations, port terrible weather, traffic jams, and delays at customs. 

What Drawbacks Come With Shipping By Sea?

Shipment delays are one of the major headaches for short-notice shipments, which usually make them more expensive due to the added costs of storage, clearance, and, in some situations, even payment of customs duties.

Who Uses Air Freight Services? 

Airlines provide freight services to companies or private individuals who deal with time-sensitive, high-value, light, or edible cargo.

Conclusion  

Determining whether to use air freight and ocean freight hinges on the needed speed and reliability, cost of transport, type of goods being shipped, and the environmental impact implications. Once you analyze your specific set of shipping criteria, finding the correct method to achieve appropriate movement becomes easy.