由 caicai8478 - Comparison of the core differences between ocean freight and air freight
Comparison dimensions Ocean freight Air freight
Transportation time 20-45 days (international routes) 3-7 days (international routes)
Transportation cost Low (about 1/5-1/10 of air freight) High (suitable for high-value goods)
Cargo capacity Large (can transport oversized/overweight goods) Limited (limited by aircraft cabin capacity)
Carbon emissions Relatively low (small unit emissions) High (about 50 times that of ocean freight)
Customs clearance procedures Relatively complex (strict port inspections) Easier (airports are usually more efficient)
Second, key factors in decision-making
Product characteristics
High value/time-sensitive (such as electronic products, fashion products): air transport is preferred
Bulk/low value/storable (such as building materials, furniture): sea transport is preferred
Dangerous goods/special goods: need to confirm specific transportation qualifications
Cost-benefit analysis
Hidden costs of air transport: may save storage fees and capital occupation costs
Sea transport surcharges: pay attention to variables such as fuel surcharges and port congestion fees
Supply chain strategy matching
JIT (Just-in-Time) production mode: air transport support is required
Sea products in season: peak season advance sea transport + off-season air transport replenishment combination
III , innovative solutions
Sea-Air
30-50% lower cost than pure air transport
40-60% faster time than pure sea transport
Typical case: Southeast Asia sea transport to Dubai + air transport to Europe
Application of digital tools
Smart price comparison platform: real-time acquisition of freight rates for each route
Blockchain tracking: solving the pain point of opaque shipping information
Prediction analysis: optimize the combination of transportation methods based on historical data
Regional warehousing network
Forward warehouse layout: hot market stocking sea transport + local distribution
Bonded warehouse utilization: reduce tariff costs and shorten delivery time
IV. Industry trend observation
Slow sailing (Slow Steaming has become the new normal, with an average speed drop of 10-15%, but significant energy saving and emission reduction
Air cargo is leading in digitalization, with 74% of air freight orders already electronic (only 39% for sea freight)
Impact of carbon tariffs: EU CBAM will prompt companies to re-evaluate carbon emissions in transportation methods
Decision-making recommendation formula:
Priority = (commodity value × 0.3) + (timeliness requirement × 0.4) + (cost sensitivity × 0.2) + (sustainability requirement × 0.1)
Note: Each weight coefficient can be adjusted according to the actual situation of the enterprise. It is recommended to use the AHP hierarchical analysis method to determine the personalized weight.
The final choice should be based on dynamic evaluation. Most mature companies adopt a 7:3 sea and air transport combination strategy and adjust it quarterly with market changes.