Is air freight cheaper or sea freight cheaper?

1, Cost composition of air and sea freight
Air freight cost
The cost of air freight mainly consists of the following aspects:
Fuel surcharge: With the fluctuation of international oil prices, fuel surcharge will also be adjusted accordingly, which has a direct impact on air freight costs.
Security checks and insurance fees: Due to the higher risks of air freight, more rigorous security checks and insurance measures are required, which also increases transportation costs.
Flight costs and tariffs: Flight costs include departure fees, landing fees, tolls, airport service fees, etc., while tariffs are determined based on the type, value, and national policies of the goods.
Packaging and handling fees: Air freight requires more refined packaging to reduce damage during transportation, which also increases packaging and handling costs.
Shipping cost
In contrast, the cost structure of sea freight goods is relatively simple:
Ocean freight: including basic freight and surcharges (such as fuel surcharges, port congestion surcharges, etc.).
Loading, unloading, and warehousing fees: The loading, unloading, and warehousing costs of sea freight are relatively low because ships have a large cargo volume and high loading and unloading efficiency.
Insurance premium: Although the risk of shipping goods by sea is relatively low, it is still necessary to purchase insurance to cope with possible risks.
Tariffs and taxes: Similar to air freight, tariffs and taxes on sea freight also depend on the type, value, and national policies of the goods.
2, Comparison of prices between air and sea freight
In terms of price, sea freight is usually cheaper than air freight. Taking the shipping cost per kilogram of goods as an example, the price of sea freight is about 30 yuan, while air freight requires at least 50 yuan or even higher. This price difference mainly stems from the differences in transportation methods and cost composition between the two.
The transportation cost of sea freight is relatively low, mainly due to the large cargo capacity and long transportation distance of ships, as well as the relatively low operating costs of ships (such as fuel, labor, etc.). In addition, the transportation cycle of sea freight is relatively long, usually around 40-50 days, which also gives sea freight rates greater flexibility.
In contrast, air transportation has higher transportation costs, mainly due to the limited cargo capacity of the aircraft and high flight costs (such as fuel, maintenance, labor, etc.). In addition, the transportation speed of air freight is fast, usually arriving at the destination within 3-7 days, which also makes the air freight rate relatively high.
3, Other factors affecting air and sea freight prices
In addition to basic transportation costs, the prices of air and sea freight are also influenced by the following factors:
Types of goods: Different types of goods have different requirements for transportation methods, which in turn affect freight rates. For example, fresh goods, precious commodities, etc. are more suitable for air transportation, while bulk goods are more suitable for sea transportation.
Transportation distance: The longer the transportation distance, the more obvious the cost advantage of sea freight. Due to the long transportation distance of sea freight, the unit cost is relatively low. Air transportation, on the other hand, has relatively high unit costs due to high flight costs.
Market demand: Changes in market demand can also affect the prices of air and sea freight. For example, during peak season, due to increased demand, both air and sea freight prices will correspondingly rise.
Policy factors: National policies and tariff policies can also have an impact on the prices of air and sea freight. For example, some countries may impose import restrictions or increase tariff rates on certain goods, thereby affecting freight rates.
4, Comparison of advantages and disadvantages between air and sea freight
When comparing the prices of air and sea freight, it is also necessary to consider their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of air freight:
Fast transportation speed, able to deliver goods to the destination in a short period of time.
The transportation quality is high, and the goods are less damaged during transportation.
High safety ensures the safe transportation of goods.
Disadvantages of air freight:
The transportation cost is high and the price is expensive.
Limited transportation capacity and small cargo capacity.
Multiple loading and unloading are required during transportation, making it susceptible to damage or loss.
Advantages of sea freight:
Low transportation costs and relatively low prices.
Strong transportation capacity and large cargo capacity.
There is less damage during transportation because the shipping method is relatively stable.
Disadvantages of sea freight:
Slow transportation speed and long transportation cycle.
Due to the significant impact of weather and ocean conditions, there are certain risks involved.
Additional loading, unloading, and storage fees are required.