Air freight vs. sea freight: How to choose the best solution based on the characteristics of the goods?

1. Basic comparison of transportation methods
   Comparison dimensions Air freight Sea freight
   Transportation time 1-7 days 15-45 days
   Transportation cost High (charged by weight/volume) Low (charged by container)
   Carrying capacity Limited (usually <100 tons) Large (up to tens of thousands of tons)
   Applicable distance Medium and long distance is the best Ultra-long distance has the most advantages
   Flexibility High (more flights) Low (fixed shipping schedule)
2. Choose solutions based on the characteristics of goods
3. Give priority to goods shipped by air
   High-value goods: jewelry, luxury goods, precision instruments (reduce capital occupation and risk)

Time-sensitive goods: fresh food, emergency medicines, fashion apparel (strong seasonality)

Light and small goods: electronic products, samples, documents (air freight costs are relatively acceptable)

Fragile goods: glass products, high-precision equipment (reduce the number of handling times)

2. Commodities shipped by sea are preferred
   Large low-value commodities: ore, grain, building materials (cost-sensitive)

Heavy and large items: machinery and equipment, vehicles, industrial raw materials (too large volume/weight)

Non-time-sensitive commodities: furniture, daily necessities, general chemicals

Liquid/bulk cargo: oil, chemicals (special container transportation)

III. Considerations for mixed strategies
Sea-air transport: high-value + medium-time-sensitive commodities (such as auto parts)

Seasonal adjustment: sea transport stocking before peak season + air transport replenishment during peak season

Inventory strategy: basic sea transport inventory + air transport emergency replenishment

IV. Decision-making flow chart
text
Start
↓
Is the commodity perishable/time-sensitive? → Yes → Choose air transport
↓No
Is the value/weight ratio of the commodity high? → Yes → Consider air transport
↓No
Is the volume of the cargo >2m³ or the weight >500kg? → Yes → Choose sea transport
↓No
Is the transportation cost a key factor? → Yes → Choose sea transport
↓No
Evaluate other special needs → Customize solutions
V. Special considerations
Prohibited items: lithium batteries (air transport restrictions), dangerous goods (special requirements for sea transport)

Customs clearance efficiency: air ports usually handle faster

Insurance costs: air transport premiums for high-value goods may be lower (short risk period)

Environmental considerations: The carbon footprint of sea transport is only 1/50 of that of air transport

Enterprises should conduct a comprehensive assessment based on product characteristics, market demand and cost structure, and adopt a logistics combination strategy to maximize benefits when necessary.