Risk and safety: Is the cargo loss rate higher in sea transport or air transport? How to avoid risks?

In logistics transportation, the cargo loss rate and risk characteristics of sea and air transport are significantly different. The choice needs to be combined with the characteristics of the goods, cost budget and timeliness requirements. The following is a detailed analysis and risk avoidance suggestions:

1. Comparison of cargo loss rates between sea and air transport
   The cargo loss rate of sea transport is higher

Data: The average cargo loss rate of sea transport is about 1%-5% (affected by the type of goods and routes), while air transport is usually less than 0.1%.

Reasons:

Long transportation cycle (weeks to months), high environmental exposure risk (humidity, salt spray, temperature fluctuations).

Multiple loading and unloading (port transit), stacking, ship vibration and other physical shocks.

Container sealing problems may cause water and mildew (such as food and electronic products are easily damaged).

The cargo loss rate of air transport is lower

Advantages:

Short transportation time (1-3 days), reducing environmental exposure and human operation links.

The cabin environment is stable (temperature control, air pressure regulation), suitable for high-value or precision goods (such as chips, medical devices).

Exception: Air transport has higher requirements for packaging pressure resistance (take-off/landing impact), but the overall risk is controllable.

2. Core factors of risk differences
   Risk type Ocean transport Air transport
   Environmental risk High (marine climate, salt corrosion) Low (controllable cabin environment)
   Time risk Long (delays, seasonal effects) Very short (high punctuality rate)
   Operational risk Multi-link loading and unloading, stacking Fewer links, mechanized processing
   Safety risk Piracy, theft (specific routes) Almost no
3. Practical suggestions for risk avoidance
4. Measures to avoid risks in ocean transport
   Packaging optimization:

Use moisture-proof containers (such as reefers/vacuum packaging) with desiccant and cushioning materials inside.

Fragile items are marked with an “upward” sign to avoid stacking (such as glass and ceramics).

Insurance coverage:

Insurance All Risks + War Risk (passing through high-risk waters).

Clarify the terms of claims (such as the burden of proof for cargo damage).

Transport management:

Choose a reputable shipping company (such as Maersk, COSCO Shipping), give priority to direct routes and reduce transit.

Real-time tracking of container GPS and temperature and humidity sensor data.

2. Air transport risk avoidance measures
   Precision cargo protection:

Use shock-resistant packaging (such as air cushion film, customized foam lining).

Mark “fragile” and “do not invert” labels (air transport loading and unloading is faster, and eye-catching reminders are required).

Compliance check:

Confirm the aviation embargo list in advance (such as lithium batteries require UN38.3 certification).

Avoid detention or return of goods due to compliance issues.

General strategy
Splitting: High-value goods are shipped in batches to reduce single losses.

Supplier audit: Check the ISO certification and historical claims record of the logistics provider.

Contract terms: Clarify the responsibilities of the carrier (such as the risk division under FOB/CIF terms).

IV. Selection Recommendations
Choose sea transport: bulk low-priced goods (such as ore, building materials), time-insensitive and limited budget.

Choose air transport: high-value precision goods (such as chips, medicines), fresh time-sensitive goods or urgent replenishment orders.

Case: An auto parts company exported precision sensors. The sea freight loss rate was 3% (failure caused by vibration). After switching to air transport, the loss was zero. Although the freight increased by 20%, the after-sales cost decreased by 50%.

By comprehensively evaluating the cost, cargo attributes and risk tolerance, the transportation benefits can be maximized.