If you start working with Chinese suppliers, you will inevitably face one of the most important decisions - choosing air or sea freight to import the goods. Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding them will help you make the right choice.

Recently, we talked about common mistakes to avoid when importing goods from China. Now, let’s discuss the logistics part of it all. In this article, we will analyse the difference between air and sea freight in terms of cost, transit time, and other important factors. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Air Freight and Sea Freight Cost

1. Air Freight and Sea Freight Cost

There is no way to sugarcoat this; price is one of the, if not the most crucial, factors when choosing a shipping method. Sea freight is typically cheaper than air freight, especially for large items.

Prices are usually calculated based on factors such as cargo dimensions, chargeable weight, and freight rates. Larger shipments can offer significant savings via sea freight. It’s rather important to factor in additional costs, such as port charges, insurance, and ground transportation from the port to the warehouse.

If you are shipping small, high-value, or time-sensitive items, air freight may be a better option, even at a higher cost. However, there’s an important factor to consider: there’s a very common practice with air cargo - the higher your cargo volume, the less the price per kg might be.

2. Transit Time

2. Transit Time

Shipping speed is another important difference between air freight and sea freight. How quickly you want your goods delivered will determine which type you choose.

Sea Freight Timeframes: For example, shipping from China to Europe can take anywhere from 45 to 55 days due to the Red Sea crisis , depending on the port and shipping routes. If you have the type of business that can wait that long or that can plan the timeframe of the inventory delivery in advance, then this is a solid shipping option.

Air Freight Timeframes: Air freight is much faster, generally taking 5 to 8 days for most destinations. You can even use express air freight with DHL or FedEx (mostly for parcels below 50kg), shortening the delivery time to 2 to 5 days. It will cost a little extra, but it may be worth it if you’re in an industry where speed is important.

3. Reliability and Predictability

3. Reliability and Predictability

In most cases, air freight is more reliable and predictable than sea freight. Judging by last year's Red Sea crisis , this statement proves to be true. Weather conditions, geopolitical tensions, port congestion, and customs delays are common issues with sea freight, which can cause unforeseen delays.

If you have a tight schedule, air freight has a more reliable delivery time. Of course, it can also be impacted by weather conditions, but at least it can’t be subject to geopolitical tensions.

Many logistics companies also offer tracking services to help you monitor the progress of your shipments for both air and sea shipments. CargoNect , a leading logistics IT company, also offers shipment tracking, making the whole shipment process a lot smoother.

4. Sustainability Factor

4. Sustainability Factor

In today’s world, businesses are incredibly aware of the environmental impact of their activities, including shipping. In terms of carbon emissions, sea shipping has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than air freight. Aircraft consume a lot of fuel and contribute considerably to greenhouse gas emissions.

While not perfect, ships have better fuel efficiency per tonne of cargo. Environmental factors alone may not drive your decision, but they are essential for businesses that work on reducing their carbon footprint.

5. What Type of Cargo Are You Shipping?

5. What Type of Cargo Are You Shipping?

The type of goods you are shipping also plays a big role in your choice. Some cargo is better suited to one route than another. Let’s have a closer look.

Sea Freight: Ideal for large, bulky items, heavy machinery, raw materials, or non-perishable goods. It’s perfect for items that don’t need to get to the destination immediately or that require shipment in large volumes.

Air Freight: It’s a good option for smaller, high-value items such as electronics, perishable goods, or any product that requires speed and security in transit. Since air freight tends to offer better handling and lower risk of damage, it’s often the preferred option for fragile items.

6. Additional Costs and Considerations

6. Additional Costs and Considerations

While sea freight is generally less expensive, there are other factors to consider. Both sea and air freight require customs procedures, which can add extra cost. However, customs delays are rare for air shipments. Another factor to consider is that unloading cargo from containers adds time and expense. Air freight can reduce this need and reduce overall storage costs.

Choosing the Right Option

Choosing the Right Option

Air or sea freight from China? Choosing between air and sea freight from China comes down to balancing cost, time, and the nature of the goods you're shipping. Sea freight is cheaper and more eco-friendly but slower, so it’s good for larger non-urgent shipments. Air freight is more expensive but faster, more reliable, and better for time-sensitive or high-value goods.

Your decision should be based on your business needs: Do you want to spend less or have quicker delivery times? In many cases, the best option is to use both air freight for urgent items and sea freight for bulk goods that can travel a little longer. Whatever your choice, planning ahead and considering all the factors will help you manage your shipping costs and keep your supply chain running smoothly.