Important Considerations to Choose between Air Freight and Ocean Freight

Individuals shifting overseas, retailers with international customers and businesses with frequent needs of cargo shipping face one common question. Whether to choose air freight or cargo freight? While the question is crucial, the answer is extremely simple. Evaluate the following important factors in this direction and you will be able to make the right choice.

Available Space

Ships obviously offer greater cargo & shipping space than aircrafts. In case you wish to dispatch a huge consignment in one go, it makes sense to choose ocean freight. If you choose air freight, you may have to divide the consignment and spend on two (or more) cargo flights.

Shipping Speed

Air freight is clearly the winning option in this regard. While it is possible to send items by air within a day or two, ships may take few weeks or even months for the same. Why? Ships move at slower pace and may also make multiple halts on the way. Even the shortest ocean routes (created with the opening up of new canals) will take no less than 7-8 days to reach the destination.

Shipping Costs

It depends on a number of things:

• Shipment size

• Shipment weight

• Destination charges (including custom duties)

• Warehousing costs at the ports

For heavy and large shipments, ocean freight is a relatively inexpensive option. However, it becomes expensive when huge warehousing costs at seaports get added. You must consider each of these factors to decide which option caters to your budget.

Shipment Safety

International shipping by air is considered safer than ocean freight. It is true especially for delicate and perishable goods that require careful handling as well as low shipping time. Moreover, there are chances of ships getting looted by the pirates.  

Reliability

Air freight services are highly efficient and punctual. On the other hand, the delay of a day or two is common (and considered normal) in case of shipping by sea. Needless to say, it can affect your performance as a business owner or supplier. When it comes to shipment tracking, both air and ocean shipping companies offer reliable and technology-driven tools.

Schedules and Availability

Consider the following situations:

• An emergency or last-minute shipping need arises

• You miss the scheduled flight or ship

• The flight or ship intended to carry your shipments is cancelled due to bad weather

In any of these cases, alternative schedules can be easily and readily planned with air-based shipping services offering daily flights. However, ships usually have weekly and monthly schedules and you are rendered helpless in these situations.

What you must do is evaluate your needs on the basis of these considerations and choose the best international cargo & shipping option.