With the expansion of global trade, it becomes difficult for businesses, especially large-scale businesses, to choose the right method of transportation for the movement of their products. There are two modes of transportation that are most commonly used: Air Freight and Ocean Freight. If we compare both of the modes on the basis of budget, Air freight is usually costly compared to ocean freight because of higher management costs and swift delivery. In contrast, ocean freight is economical to a greater extent for large parcels shipping over lengthy distances.
Let’s have a look into both of the modes precisely:
Understanding Ocean Freight and Air Freight
Ocean freight is the lucrative choice for companies that are looking to move goods to faraway location. It is the movement of goods internationally by water in container ships and heavy carriers. This process involves loading cargo into containers, which are then overloaded on container ships. It is commonly used for heavy shipping, oversized cargo, and goods that are not urgent to deliver.
On the other hand, Air freight is the method of transporting goods via air carrier. In international cargo shipping, air freight functions as the ideal choice for transporting valuable cargo, medicines, and unpreserved things. Moreover, this mode is way quicker to transit goods than ocean across borders. This option is best for time-sensitive shipping and urgent deliveries.
In this article, we will explore the various factors that affect the cost and competence of large parcels shipment as follows:
1-Large Parcel Air Freight Cost Factors
The cost of the large parcel via air freight depends on factors such as the weight and size of the parcel, fuel cost, speed delivery, and management fees. For instance, the weight and dimensions of the article determine the air freight cost; larger parcels incur higher costs. Additionally, fluctuating fuel costs can considerably affect the overall expenses of the shipment. Large parcels incur high charges through air freight due to their fast delivery timing and the management fees for loading, unloading, and handling the shipment.
2-Ocean Freight Vs Air Freight Transit Time
Transit time is a crucial factor to consider when deciding a mode of transportation, especially between ocean freight and air freight.
- Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is beneficial when you are not shipping time-critical large parcels and there is flexibility in the delivery of the goods to their destination. It takes longer time usually 20-40 days.
- Air Freight: Air freight is suitable when shipping time-critical parcels when there is no flexibility in the delivery of the parcels. The transit time is significantly less transit compared to sea freight as it takes 1 to 7 days to transit the parcel to its destination.
3-Cheapest Way to Ship Large Parcels Internationally
When shipping a large parcel it is important to consider a mode of transportation that is cost-effective.
- Ocean freight is generally more cost-effective for larger shipments and heavy parcels because of its weight and size-based pricing. The cost incurred by ocean transportation is an inexpensive choice for businesses delivering large parcels.
- On the other hand, Air freight is significantly expensive for large parcel shipping due to the weight and volume of the parcel. Besides, air freight helps reduce inventory holding costs by guaranteeing quicker replacement, and as a result the cost of warehouse also reduces.
4-Air Freight Vs Ocean Freight for Oversized Cargo
It is challenging to handle oversized cargo via both modes i.e. Air freight and ocean freight. The shipment of oversized cargo is prohibited due to weight restrictions as well as highly expensive. Oversized cargo requires specialized staff and equipment which results in further high expenses. Whereas, ocean freight is an ideal option for oversized shipment. Ships are suitable to provide accommodation for oversized parcels and it is cost-effective as well.
5-Expedited Large Parcels Shipping Options
Expedited shipping is the fastest way to accelerate shipping to clients, particularly for e-commerce retailers. GoldCross Cargo is a reliable company that offers expedited shipping for its customers. Air freight offers expedited solutions to its customers for accelerated shipping of large parcels. Through this service, you can deliver within 1 to 2 days globally. This can be highly expensive yet guarantee to deliver on time. Ocean freight also offers expedited shipping services but they can’t be as fast as air freight.
6-Cost Comparison: Large Parcel Air Vs Sea Freight
It is important to compare air and ocean freight based on cost-effectiveness. Air freight is usually considered to be expensive compared to ocean freight because of its higher management fee and swift delivery. In contrast, ocean freight is more cost-effective for transporting large parcels shipping to faraway locations. Moreover, the costs of shipment is affected by indictable weight for air freight and volumetric weight for ocean freight.
7-Customs Clearance for Large International Parcels
Custom clearance is one of the crucial steps in the shipment of large parcels internationally. Both modes of transportation (Air and ocean Freight) need customs clearance to proceed with the shipment.
The time duration for the customs clearance of air freight is usually faster than ocean freight. It is because of the rushed management of air shipment that results in less transit time. On the other hand, the process can be slower in the case of ocean freight, particularly if the shipment is merged with other shipments in a single container. It is more complex and time-consuming as it requires a thorough examination.
8-Best Shipping Method for Bulky Items
Air freight is one of the premium modes to transit bulky items when it comes to time-critical shipments and valuable items. As it offers efficiency and swift delivery of large parcels but when it comes to extremely large items it is not an ideal choice.
Moreover, ocean freight is the best mode for transportation of bulky goods because of its cost-effectiveness, its capability to manage extremely heavy items more effectively. This mode is suitable for bulky items that are not time-critical and flexible in terms of time delivery.
Conclusion
As a final point, ocean freight and air freight have their benefits as well as drawbacks. Ocean freight is cost-effective and flexible, whereas air freight offers speed and trustworthiness. It is essential to consider the factors when you are deciding to select a mode of transportation of goods, for instance, the time sensitivity of delivery, the variety of the item, and your financial plan. Eventually, the choice between ocean freight and air freight depends on your specific business needs. With a thorough evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of both methods of shipping and considering the affecting factors, you can make a good choice that will benefit your business in terms of budget, effectiveness, and satisfaction of clients.
Are you having difficulty in making decision between ocean freight and air freight for large parcel shipping? Let us help you with the best choice as per your needs. GoldCross Cargo specializes in providing the best transport solutions with cost-effectiveness, speed, and reliability.