由 caicai8478 Low freight (about 1/5-1/10 of air freight)
Suitable for bulk cargo transportation, lower unit cost
Lower additional costs such as fuel surcharges
Advantages of air freight:
No storage costs (fast turnover)
Insurance rates are usually lower (short transportation time and low risk)
Prepaid tariff costs may be lower (fast customs clearance)
II. Time comparison
Ocean freight time:
China to Europe and the United States: 30-45 days (including customs clearance)
China to Southeast Asia: 7-15 days
China to Africa: 25-50 days
Air freight time:
Major cities around the world: 3-7 days (door to door)
Can be delivered within 48 hours in case of emergency
III. Cargo adaptability analysis
Cargo suitable for sea transportation:
Heavy goods exceeding 100kg per piece
Oversized goods exceeding 2 cubic meters in volume
Non-perishable, non-urgent conventional goods
Cargo with a single batch value of less than US$50,000
Cargo suitable for air transportation:
High-value goods (electronic products, jewelry, etc.)
Time-sensitive goods such as fresh food and medicine
Samples , urgent items, replenishment orders
Goods with a single piece weight of less than 100kg
IV. Comprehensive decision-making model
Consider the following factors to choose the best solution:
Cost sensitivity: choose sea transportation for limited budget
Inventory turnover rate: consider air transportation for high turnover goods
Product life cycle: air transportation can be used to seize the market during the launch period of new products
Seasonal factors: prepare goods by sea transportation in advance before the peak season
Supply chain flexibility: use a combination of two methods to reduce risks
V. Innovative solutions
Sea-air transport: Asian port sea transportation + European and American local air transportation distribution
LCL/Palletization service: reduce Small-volume transportation costs
Seasonal contract rates: lock in preferential freight rates in advance
Digital freight platform: real-time price comparison and booking services
VI. Risk management recommendations
Full insurance is required for sea transportation (especially in the rainy season)
Pay attention to the emergency plan for flight delays for air transportation
Both methods should consider a 3-5-day customs clearance buffer period
Establish a list of alternative transportation solution suppliers
The final decision should be based on a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of the specific goods, the company’s capital flow and market demand. Most importers adopt a mixed strategy of sea transportation as the main and air transportation as the auxiliary to achieve the best cost-effectiveness.