The international shipment of goods requires prudent decisions regarding cost, speed, and reliability, amongst other factors. This usually makes the choice of mode tough for the shipper due to the various shipping modes available to be used in Ocean & Air Freight. While all modes have their pros and cons, shippers have to consider what is most important to them and decide from there. In this article, we examine the major variables between ocean and air freight that shippers will be faced with a decision on so they may draw upon to make an informed choice that best suits their particular shipping need.

Ocean Freight vs. Air Freight

Speaking of international shipment transport, two modes come into play: ocean freight and air freight. Both are widely spread modes of shipment transport; in nature, however, ocean and air freights happen to be somewhat different, about which the shipment owner needs to know in order to make a proper choice as regards the mode of shipment. What is the difference between Ocean Freight and Air Freight?
Transit Time: Air freight cargo normally reaches its destination within days or even weeks, while ocean freight could take weeks and sometimes months depending on the shipping route and distance.
Price: Usually, air freights cost more than the cost of ocean freight since this is a faster and more convenient means of delivering orders. However, the cost in ocean freight varies a lot depending on distance, volume, and shipping routes.
Volume of Cargo: Air freights are used for small volumes of high value, whereas ocean freight is best utilized for large volumes, heavy machinery, vehicles, and bulk commodities.
Carbon Footprint: By nature, ocean freight tends to have a lesser carbon footprint, as bigger vessels used can carry more cargo, thus making fewer trips with less fuel use compared to air freight.
Customs Clearance: Customs clearance may be complicated; however, this depends on the mode of shipment applied. Most times, air freight is easier and faster during customs clearance compared to ocean freight.

Sea Freight vs. Air Freight Carbon Footprint

Shipping, according to the International Maritime Organization, is responsible for about 2.5% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. It is also important to note that both ocean and air freights emit carbon, but generally, ocean freight has a low carbon footprint compared to air freight. This, among other reasons, is because the ships can move a large volume at a low speed compared to planes; thus, the fuel burned becomes less per unit of cargo.
It should, however, be realized that even carbon emission from ocean freight might continue to vary widely depending on such factors as the type of vessel used and the shipping routes taken. Moreover, coupled with the use of greener types of fuel, it is technological changes that continue to bring down the carbon footprint of both sea freight and air freight.

Is Ocean Freight Cheaper than the other?

Since all these options are to be used for international shipment, cost becomes a major deciding factor. In most instances, ocean freight will be relatively cheaper because of the general slower transit time compared to air freight and the volumes it could carry on any single voyage. However, real ocean freight cost may be very different with the involvement of specific factors like shipping distance, cargo volume, and route taken. For example, it may be assumed that shipping by ocean freight from Asia to Europe is much cheaper in comparison to the shipping from South America to North America because of the difference in distance and shipping routes.
On the other hand, air freight generally costs more than ocean freight but yields faster transit times and higher flexibility. Another important consideration is that all shipments must be calculated for their total cost of shipment, not just the cost of transportation, but also other costs to be incurred for customs clearance, insurance, and handling fees. Of course, the final choice between ocean freight and air freight would depend on a few variables-cargo nature, distance over which the shipping needs to be done, the urgency for delivery, and so on.

How to Choose Shipping Mode

Following are ten suggestions to help you decide between these on your shipment:
Assess the urgency and the delivery timeline of your shipment.
Check the cost against each mode of shipment and the extra charges that apply.
Ascertain the volume and weight of your shipment-if it requires any special handling.
Distance and transit time with respect to each mode of transport.
Origin and destination: with regard to customs and regulatory compliances applicable.
Consider the fragility, value, and insurance requirements of your products.
Determine the environmental consequence for each transportation mode.
Determine what level of visibility and tracing is absolutely required for the shipment at hand.
Consider the capacity and availability of each mode.
Consider special requirements or constraints that have a bearing on shipment, including special handling, storage, and/or delivery needs.

Conclusion

Therefore, decisions as to ocean freight or air freight for shipment are quite complex, to be considered with a lot taken into account. Consideration of each of these questions, like urgency, cost, volume, distance, destination, fragility, environmental impact, tracking, special requirements, will go a long way to making the right decision that would fit your business or personal shipping needs. Whichever shipping mode you decide on, it’s vital that you work with a reputable and experienced freight forwarder who can guide you through the process, support you, and provide the expertise to conduct a smooth and successful shipment.