Air Freight vs. Sea Freight - Which is Best for Importing from China

Most people think sourcing products from China can give them many chances for business growth. But you know? The shipping method may directly decide your success. Whether your goods are large or small, expensive or affordable, more or less, the freight method affects your costs, speed, and efficiency.

You may ask, “Air Freight vs. Sea Freight, which choice works best for me?” The answer is not the only one, depending on your cargo, time, and money.

Moreover, when necessary, you don't have to do it yourself. Using trusted 3PL services makes shipping easier and lets you focus on growing your business.

Knowing these helps you avoid delays, save cash, and keep things running well. Let's dive in!

What is Air Freight Shipping?

Air freight is the quickest and safest transportation to source goods worldwide by aircraft. Air shipping loads cargo onto airplanes, which then fly directly to their destination airports to bypass the delays like sea freight.

Think about shipping items like perishable goods, electronics, or luxury goods. You’d want them to arrive safely and quickly, right? Air freight usually takes 2 to 5 days, while sea freight can take weeks. So, air shipping is the best transportation for these products.

As shown, air freight wins in speed, dependability, safety, etc. If your business needs fast and secure shipping, it is a great choice.

What is Sea Freight Shipping?

Sea freight, also called ocean freight, is a common way to transport goods via ships across oceans and seas. Maritime transport is crucial for international trade and the global economy. Over 50 % of the value and 80 % of the volume of international trade is carried by sea.

If you’re wholesale sourcing from China, sea shipping is a cheaper and dependable choice, especially for heavy or large shipments that unnecessarily delivered in a short time. But you still need to plan for the longer shipping times and possible delays.

As shown, ocean shipping wins in the economy, capacity, etc. If your business needs cheaper and more capacity shipping, sea shipping is a great choice.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: 6 Factors to Consider

Obviously, air shipping and sea freight each have their own advantages, so no matter how do you choose the right shipping method for your business when importing from China?

Combining FREIGHTOS data with our 20 + years of experience as a global sourcing agent, we found that the following 6 factors are the best analysis.

Timeline

• Air Freight: Typically, it takes 1–2 days for products to ship, and customs checks for air freight are also quicker. Cargo is usually unloaded within a few hours, meaning the entire process will not take more than 5 days.

• Sea Freight: With sea shipping durations potentially extending to 2-6 weeks based on the route and customs. It is recommended to start shipping bulk cargo two months in advance.

Tips:

Use air shipping for urgent shipments or quick restocking

Choose sea freight to save money.

Type of Cargo

• Air Freight: Air shipping is ideal for small, high-value, or delicate items. Common examples include electronics, luxury goods, and pharmaceuticals.

• Sea Freight: Ocean shipping is more suitable for large or heavy items. Furniture, machinery, and substantial loads are perfectly suited for ships.

Tips:

Choose air freight for fragile or expensive items.

Opt for sea freight for heavy or large shipments.

Amount of Cargo

• Air Freight: Air freight suits smaller shipments sourcing, allowing for rapid delivery of fewer items.

• Sea Freight: Ocean freight excels for large shipments. Ships can transport vast quantities simultaneously, making it economical for businesses importing in bulk.

Tips:

For small shipments, air freight is quick and convenient.

For large orders, sea freight is more affordable and efficient.

Budget

• Air Freight: At about $3 per kilo, very light shipments for their size might be charged on dimensional weight, rather than actual weight.

• Sea Freight: Once a shipment weighs more than around 500 kg, sea freight becomes the cheapest option. Ocean freight offers tremendous economies of scale.

Tips:

Use air freight for small, valuable shipments that need rapid arrival.

Select sea freight for large shipments when timing is flexible.

Compare rates from various logistics companies for greater savings.

Security

• Air Freight: Air shipping provides heightened security for your goods. Airports enforce stringent regulations and advanced inspections, reducing risks of theft or damage.

• Sea Freight: Sea shipping presents more risks for theft or damage due to longer transit times and multiple checkpoints, increasing the chance of mishandling.

Tips:

Use air freight for delicate or high-value items that require special care.

For sea freight, collaborate with reputable companies like EJET Procurement to ensure safe handling.

Environmental Impact

• Air Freight: Air shipping is less environmentally friendly as planes consume significant fuel, leading to increased emissions.

• Sea Freight: Ocean freight is more eco-conscious since ships transport large volumes of goods, distributing emissions across greater cargo. But oil spills can pollute large areas of the ocean.

Tips:

Partner with logistics firms that emphasize sustainable solutions.

Which is The Best Shipping Method for Importing from China?

When is Air Freight the Right Option?

Air freight is optimal when you require speed and reliability. If your business sources valuable items such as electronics or medications, air freight ensures quick and safe delivery. It is also excellent for small shipments that need to arrive promptly. If your business requires fast deliveries or quick restocking, air freight remains the best choice.

When is Ocean Freight Better to Choose?

On the other hand, ocean freight is preferable for cost savings and shipping large quantities. If you are importing bulky items like furniture or machinery, sea freight provides more space at a lower cost. It is also an environmentally friendly option, ideal for businesses aiming to contribute to sustainability. Although sea freight is slower, proactive planning can help mitigate delays and enhance your supply chain.

Selecting The Right Logistics Services for Importing From China

Partner with a 3PL Provider

A third-party logistics (3PL) provider handles global shipping tasks, including warehousing, shipping, and more. By working with a 3PL provider, you use their skills, tools, and strong networks to make freight better.

• Customs Expertise: They help clear customs fast and avoid fines.

• Competitive Pricing: They arrange shipments at good prices.

• Tracking Capabilities: You can track your goods in real time.

Partner with EJET Procurement

If you want more than basic 3PL services, EJET Procurement is a great choice. We offer one-step solutions designed just for you to make importing from China simple.

These are our three main advantages compared to an ordinary 3PL.

• China-specific experience: As a China sourcing agent with more than 20 years of experience, we are familiar with China's customs rules, laws, supply chain management, etc.

• Integrated services: We not only provide simple logistics and transportation services, but also combine transportation with sourcing. We provide one-stop services from factory sourcing, quality control, global freight to customs clearance.

• Tech capabilities: Our strong technical team can provide you with a visual tracking screen 24 hours a day, making your transportation more secure.

Conclusion

Deciding between air freight and sea freight depends on your needs. Air freight is fast and dependable, great for urgent or valuable shipments.

Choose based on your shipment size, urgency, and budget. If unsure or feel puzzled, EJET Procurement can assist you! Please contact us and submit your form!

FAQ

Q1: Is sea freight cheaper than air freight?

A: Yes, sea shipping is usually much cheaper than air freight, especially for large shipments. For example, shipping a 200 kg load from China to the U.S. via air shipping could cost around $1,000–$1,500. The same shipment by ocean freight might only cost $300–$500.

Q2: Is air freight faster than sea freight?

A: Absolutely! Air freight is the fastest shipping method available. It typically takes 2–5 days to deliver goods from China to most destinations worldwide. For electronics, high value products, or fashion items, please use air shipping.

Q3: What’s the difference between FCL and LCL?

A: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) are two common terms in sea freight. FCL means you book an entire container for your products. It’s faster and more secure. LCL means your goods share a container space with shipments from other businesses. This is more economical but may take longer due to additional handling.

Q4: What is the cheapest way to ship from China?

A: If you want to save money, sea freight is the cheapest option. Ships carry lots of goods, lowering the cost per item. To get the best price, compare quotes from different shipping companies. Trusted partners like EJET Procurement can help you get the best price.

Q5: Can I combine air and sea shipping in one order?

A: Yes, you can mix air freight and sea shipping to save money and time. This mixed fulfillment is known as "multimodal transport." You can divide your shipment based on urgency, for example, send part of the urgent order by air and the rest by sea.

Q6: How can EJET help with customs compliance?

A: With over 20 years + customs compliance experience, EJET knows all the rules for importing from China. Whether you use air freight or ocean shipping, we can ensure your shipments follow the Chinese law to avoid fines or delays.

 

Illustration source: Pexels