Air and ocean freight: which is more convenient?

Regarding international shipping, there are two main options: air and ocean freight. Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the budget, timeline, and preferences. This blog post will compare speed, cost, reliability, safety, and environmental impact.

Advantages of air and ocean freight

Speed

While ships are getting faster and ocean shipping routes are being constantly optimized, there still needs to be a beating of the speed of air freight. Air freight is faster than ocean freight, hands down. Ocean shipments can sometimes take weeks to arrive. Air freight can reach its destination in only a day or two.

If the client has urgent or time-sensitive shipments that need to be delivered immediately, air freight is the way to go. However, they have a more flexible schedule and can plan ahead for the shipments. In that case, ocean freight may be a viable option.

Cost

Air freight is more expensive than ocean freight because air is a faster courier service. Air freight costs depend on several factors: weight, volume, distance, fuel prices, demand, and supply. On average, an ocean shipment can cost 80% less than an air shipment for the same cargo.

Ocean freight may be more suitable for any client with a tight budget or wanting to save money on shipments. Yet, they should also consider other costs associated with ocean freight, such as customs fees, port charges, insurance premiums, storage fees, and inland transportation costs. These costs may vary depending on the destination country, and the type of goods being shipped.

Reliability

Air freight is more reliable than ocean freight because air cargo has fewer delays and disruptions than sea cargo. Air cargo can avoid weather issues such as storms or fog affecting ocean routes. Air cargo also has fewer chances of getting lost or damaged during transit because it has fewer handling points than sea one.

If the client wants to ensure that shipments arrive on time and in good condition without any hassle or stress, air freight may be more convenient. Still, be aware of potential risks such as flight cancellations, overbooking, security issues, or customs clearance problems that may affect air cargo.

Safety

Air freight is safer than ocean freight because air cargo has stricter regulations and higher standards when shipping hazardous materials or fragile items. Air cargo also has less exposure to theft, piracy, or vandalism than sea cargo because it has shorter transit times and more security measures at airports than at ports.

Air freight is more convenient if the client has valuable or sensitive shipments that need extra protection or special handling. But they should also follow the guidelines and requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the destination country’s authorities when shipping dangerous goods by air.

Environmental impact

Ocean freight has less environmental impact than air freight because it emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) per ton-kilometer than air cargo. Ocean shipping accounts for about 3% of global CO2 emissions. According to some estimates, air transport accounts for about 12% of global emissions. Ocean shipping also uses less energy and fuel per ton-kilometer than air transport.

Ocean freight could be the best if the clients care about the environment and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Just consider other environmental issues such as noise or water pollution and marine life disturbance that may be affected by sea transport.

Our air and ocean freight services

We have the experience, infrastructure, and facilities to provide superior ocean freight service with long-standing relationships with ocean carriers that allow us to negotiate competitive rates for our customers and frequent departures to and from major ports of call. We provide seamless navigation for all your shipping needs. And a wide range of logistics-customs services through the network of offices located in the country’s most important entry and exit points.

Also, our expertise in getting your cargo in the air is outstanding. We offer shipping solutions for most destinations worldwide, whether it’s a one-time project or regular supply chain services. Also, providing a truckload service from all points in the United States to 13 airports in Mexico. Unlike all other carriers, we can bypass the border clearance process and go directly to the Mexico airports for clearance. This service eliminates all of the costs and delays associated with the border.

Air and ocean freight both have their pros and cons when it comes to international shipping. The choice between them depends on the client’s needs, preferences, and circumstances.

If you want to contact us, we’re available through our website and social media, don’t miss our next blog post to know more about topics related to any of our businesses and services!