Shipping guide
Sea freight or air freight?
Compare the whole journey, not only the time in transit.
Begin with three questions
How soon must the goods arrive? How much space do they occupy when packed? What is the consequence of a later arrival? Use these answers when requesting sea and air quotes.
01
Sea freight
Often suits larger loads with flexible dates. Compare the container arrangement, sailing schedule and collection-to-delivery cost.
02
Air freight
Often suits urgent or smaller loads. Compare chargeable weight, flight availability and collection-to-delivery timing.
A practical comparison
| Factor | Sea freight | Air freight |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Larger loads and planned stock shipments with flexible dates. | Time-sensitive shipments where the full delivery timeline fits the deadline. |
| Timing | Allow for cargo cut-off, sailing, port handling, clearance and delivery. | Allow for cargo acceptance, flight availability, clearance and delivery. |
| Cost factors | Packed volume, container arrangement, route and local handling. | Actual or volumetric weight, route, availability and local handling. |
| Before booking | Compare quotes for the same cargo and addresses. Confirm collection, documentation, handling, delivery, exclusions and quote validity. | |
Discuss sea freight or check air-freight options. Timing and acceptance depend on your goods and dates.
A stock replenishment shipment with a flexible arrival date has a different priority from a small batch needed for a production restart. Quote both options against the same origin, destination, package measurements and delivery scope. A lower quote may leave out collection, customs handling or delivery.
Check collection, customs and delivery
Collection, cargo readiness, paperwork, arrival handling and final receipt all affect the decision. Request the assumptions behind the price and schedule. If an item has restrictions, resolve its eligibility first.
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