Export by Sea or Air: Which is the Best Option?

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During the planning phase of an import or export operation, choosing the mode of transportation is crucial, as it will guide the entire process. Therefore, analyzing different routes and quotes is essential for the success of the operation. Read this article to learn everything about sea and air exportation and discover how to sell with greater logistical efficiency abroad.

One of the main questions exporters might have is regarding the best option: "Which mode offers the best cost-benefit ratio for my international freight, sea or air?" However, this isn't an exact science, and we can't limit it to a single answer. Both sea and air freight are excellent options but should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, as each has its peculiarities.

For more information on how digitization is transforming international trade, check out Digitization for International Trade.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Sea Freight?

Sea freight is used in about 90% of global foreign trade operations and is the primary choice for exporters who move high volumes, large-sized goods, commodities, and machinery.

Let's analyze how it works to better understand each step and help you make more assertive decisions in your future operations. Do you know how sea export works and what its advantages and disadvantages are?

Basically, all foreign trade operations have the same requirements: company registration, issuance and presentation of the invoice, packing list, export invoice, bill of lading (B/L) for sea freight, airway bill (AWB) for air freight, and the letter of credit.

When opting for this mode, contact the main shipping lines, which are the owners of ships and containers, to get price quotes and delivery times. To facilitate your operations, B2B Freight offers a freight platform to streamline your cargo quotes and help with reservations. Discover B2B Freight and get quick access to quotes on our platform.

To better understand the key terms used in international shipping, refer to Understanding the Key Incoterms.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of sea freight is the capacity to transport large volumes. Additionally, the cost savings compared to air freight is a determining factor for exporters who choose this option. Regarding the quantity to be exported, rest assured that you don't need to pay for an entire container to get international sea freight, as there are two freight options: Full Container Load (FCL), used by companies that have enough cargo to fill a container, and Less Container Load (LCL), used by companies that need only part of the container, paying only for the space used while other companies "rent" the remaining space.

When analyzing the disadvantages of this mode, the main point is the delivery time, which can be up to 20 times longer than air freight.

To further understand how to maximize profits in your export operations, read Maximizing Profits Abroad.

What Is Coastal Shipping?

Besides international sea transportation, it is also possible to transport goods domestically, from one port to another, in a process called coastal shipping. Although not widely used, this is an option for maritime transport within countries, which can occur along the coast or through river navigation. However, the road transport mode is the most developed internally, as previous governments have heavily invested in road construction. This is viewed negatively by some experts who miss the expansion of the railway network, which can be more competitive due to cost reduction, lower accident risk, and increased transported volume.

For those starting to export through online channels, don't miss 5 Tips for Starting to Export Through the Internet.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Freight?

Unlike sea freight, which is widely used in foreign trade to transport large quantities, air shipments are more related to items with higher added value, smaller volumes, and urgent goods, as the transit time is much shorter. While a shipment from China might take almost two months to reach its destination by sea, it can take only three days by air.

Another advantage of air freight, considered by companies dealing with high-value products, is security. We know that during an international transport operation, the cargo can suffer damage, loss, or even theft. However, these incidents are much lower in air freight, as opposed to ships, an airplane doesn't stay idle for long during its stops, the movement time is much shorter, and the cargo conditioning is different, not involving containers or ship holds.

As with sea freight, B2B Freight can also help with air freight quotes and bookings through our easy-to-access and highly efficient platform. Make space reservations on ships or planes with just a few clicks through our website!