The eternal question for importers: Should I fly it or ship it?
Air Freight is fast but expensive. Sea Freight is cheap but slow. But where exactly is the tipping point? Is it worth shipping 50kg by sea? What about 200kg?
This guide breaks down the math so you can make the right decision.
The Cost Comparison
1. Air Freight (Express & Cargo)
- Pricing: Based on Weight (Chargeable Weight).
- Typical Cost: $5 to $9 per kg (depending on season).
- Minimums: Usually 21kg minimum to get a decent rate.
- Speed: 5–10 days.
2. Sea Freight (LCL)
- Pricing: Based on Volume (CBM).
- Typical Cost: $50 to $150 per CBM (plus port fees).
- Minimums: 1 CBM minimum is standard.
- Speed: 30–45 days.
The Tipping Point: 150 kg / 1 CBM
There is a general rule of thumb in logistics:
- Under 150kg:Air Freight is usually the winner.
- Why? Sea freight has high fixed Port Fees (Documentation, Release, Customs) that apply whether you ship 1kg or 1000kg. These flat fees make small sea shipments very expensive per unit.
- Over 200kg / 1.5 CBM:Sea Freight becomes drastically cheaper.
- The savings can be 70-80% compared to air.
Hidden Costs to Watch
Air Freight
- Volumetric Weight: If your goods are light but big (like pillows or teddy bears), Air Freight will charge you 3x or 4x the actual weight. Always check with a Volumetric Calculator.
Sea Freight
- Destination Fees: The “Freight Cost” might be $50, but the bill at the destination port could be $400. Always ask for a “Landed Cost” estimate, not just the freight rate.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Air Freight If:
- You need stock immediately to prevent running out on Amazon.
- Your shipment is under 150kg.
- Your items are small and dense (electronics, jewelry).
Choose Sea Freight If:
- You have good inventory planning and can wait 40 days.
- Your shipment is over 200kg.
- Your items are bulky (furniture, home decor, packaging).
Summary
Don’t just look at the price per kg. Look at the Transit Time vs Inventory Cost. Sometimes paying more for Air Freight is worth it if it means you don’t run out of stock during Q4 / Christmas.