What Is the Difference between International Sea Freight and International Air Freight in Goods Transportation?

International sea freight and international air freight services

International sea transportation of goods refers to the act of carriers transporting goods entrusted by shippers through a port of one country to a port of another country in accordance with the provisions of the sea transportation contract. International sea transportation is the most important mode of transportation in international trade. More than two-thirds of the total volume of international trade and most of China's import and export goods are transported by sea.

International air freight services have gained a considerable market share with their fast, safe, and timely efficiency, greatly shortening delivery times. They are essential for transporting valuable goods, fresh goods, and precision instruments in international trade due to their characteristics of fast and flexible transportation. International air transport is highly efficient, safe, and punctual, which greatly promotes the capital turnover and circulation of the logistics supply chain. Major airlines have invested heavily in flights. However, the cost of international air transport is higher than that of sea transport, and time requirements are higher, with sea transport costs about 1:10.

Difference between international ocean shipping and international air transport

For companies engaged in foreign trade, it is necessary to control related costs in logistics while formulating relevant logistics transportation plans for different products, and to learn as much as possible to obtain more appropriate plans. So what is the difference between international ocean shipping and air transportation?

Different modes of transportation

International logistics sea shipping mainly depends on large shipping vessels for transportation, while international air transport mainly uses airplanes as carriers. The related costs of sea transport are relatively low, but the time is relatively long. Compared with sea transportation, air transportation has relatively high efficiency and cost. In terms of related inspections, international air transport generally conducts inspections first, with high efficiency, but choosing international sea freight may result in lower inspection efficiency, as not only must inspections be conducted in accordance with procedures, but also they may incur certain inspection fees.

Sea shipping for large goods

If the goods to be transported are large or numerous, sea transportation can be chosen. However, when choosing, it is necessary to pay attention to signing contracts with reliable and powerful companies. In addition, the related prices should be checked and confirmed in a timely manner. Meanwhile, the relevant procedures should be complete and timely. In addition, there may be some risky behaviors, such as not purchasing insurance in a timely manner or choosing a relatively small transportation company that is prone to problems.

Air transport for small goods

If the goods to be transported are relatively small, international air freight services can be chosen instead of international sea freight. Of course, if choosing air transport, relevant procedures should also be noted. In addition, relevant procedures or contract information should be properly saved. Also, strict management of the nature of the goods during air transport should be noted, such as not allowing the transportation of sensitive goods.

Choosing international ocean shipping or air transport mainly depends on the characteristics of the goods and choosing the most suitable mode of transportation for different goods.