Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight: Which is Best for Your Business?

Air freight vs. ocean freight – which shipping method is best for a business? What you go with directly affects how fast you deliver, how much you spend, and how happy your customers are.

Air freight represents 14% of Australia’s total trade value, even though it handles less than 0.1% of trade volume. Conversely, ocean freight dominates in terms of volume, with Australian ports handling 8.6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2022–23.​

We’re breaking down the key differences between air freight and ocean freight: speed, cost, capacity, type of goods, and environmental impact. So you can choose the best fit for your business.

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Compare tailored air freight and ocean freight quotes to find the best solution for your needs. Get expert support from Couriers & Freight to simplify your shipping process.

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How to Get an Air Freight Quote or Sea Freight Quote with Couriers & Freight

Choosing between air freight and ocean freight starts with getting a reliable quote. At Couriers & Freight, businesses can access instant, tailored freight quotes through its integrated platform. Here, you can request a custom quote that suits your shipping needs, budget, and time frame.

The quote platform is designed for convenience. It compares multiple carriers, routes, and service levels in one place. This allows businesses to choose the best option without wasting time on manual research. You’ll also get access to real-time tracking, flexible shipping solutions, and support from freight experts.

Couriers & Freight makes freight management easier with a smart, all-in-one logistics solution built for your business. Whether you choose air freight for speed or ocean freight for cost savings, our platform guarantees you the best value.

Selecting the best shipping option for your company requires understanding the main distinctions between air and ocean freight. In this article, we’ve broken down the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Speed: Which Option is Faster?

When deciding between air freight and ocean freight, speed is often one of the most critical factors. The urgency of your delivery can determine which method suits your business best. 

Air Freight 

Air freight is ideal for businesses that need to move their goods quickly between continents. The process is streamlined, with less handling and faster customs clearance in most cases.

Most air freight shipments take between one and seven days, depending on the route and customs clearance. If you’re shipping urgent items like medical supplies, fashion stock for a launch, or replacement parts for machinery, air freight is the best choice. It offers more frequent departures and reliable schedules. Airlines also have strict security procedures, which add peace of mind.

Ocean Freight

In contrast, ocean freight is much slower. Transit times can range from 15 to 45 days, especially for intercontinental shipping. This is due to port handling, sea conditions, and longer travel distances. Speed will also depend on the state of the ports where the shipments are delivered.

However, ocean freight is often suitable for goods that are not time-sensitive. This makes it more cost-effective for high-volume shipping since businesses can send large quantities at a lower rate per unit. 

Ocean freight is a smart choice for durable, non-perishable goods where longer lead times aren’t an issue. Goods such as furniture, machinery, automotive parts, construction materials, and bulk commodities like grains or minerals are perfect for this shipping mode.

Cost: Which Option is More Affordable?

Cost is often one of the most important factors when shipping goods. The pricing structures for the two freight options are very different, as each comes with its own set of charges and considerations that can impact your bottom line. Understanding these can help you make a more cost-effective decision for your business.

Air Freight

Air freight is generally more expensive than ocean freight since pricing is usually calculated based on the chargeable weight of the cargo. 

Air freight costs can also include fuel surcharges, security fees, and airport handling charges. These additional fees can add up quickly, especially for heavier or bulkier items. While it is faster, air freight may not be the most economical choice for shipments that are not time-sensitive.

For instance, a company shipping 50kg of expensive electronics from Sydney to Singapore chooses air freight for fast delivery and to reduce the risk of damage. However, if that same weight includes bulky packaging materials, the volumetric weight increases. As a result, the cost also increases. In this case, sea freight becomes a more cost-effective option.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is more affordable for larger and heavier shipments. Costs are typically based on container size: Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL). For LCL, you pay based on the volume your cargo occupies.

Sea freight rates may also include terminal handling charges, customs fees, and documentation costs. Businesses choosing ocean freight must also follow Australia’s cargo regulations, which can also bump up costs.

Even with all these, ocean freight often remains the more budget-friendly option. If your business ships in bulk or isn’t pressed for time, ocean freight offers better value.

Capacity and Volume: How Much Can You Ship?

The capacity and volume of your shipment will affect the kind of freight that you will choose. Here are some things to consider when you’re concerned about your shipment’s weight.

Air Freight

While air freight is fast, it does come with limitations. Aircraft have weight and size restrictions due to aircraft restrictions, so air freight is best suited for small to medium-sized shipments. Most carriers use volumetric weight to calculate charges, which means the size of your shipment can impact the cost more than its actual weight.

Air freight is ideal for lightweight,high-value goods like electronics, medical supplies, or fashion products. However, air freight is not always practical for heavy or bulky cargo, as costs can rise quickly. Thus, if your cargo is big and bulky, you may have to choose another option.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight can accommodate a much larger volume of goods. It offers options such as Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), giving you flexibility depending on your shipment size. Standard container sizes are 20ft and 40ft, which allow for bulk shipping at a lower cost per unit.

Ocean freight is suitable for heavy, bulky, or large quantities of products. Businesses that ship items like furniture, building materials, or machines often choose this method. Although transit time is longer, the cost benefits make it a popular choice for large-scale operations.

An Australian furniture shop typically chooses a 40-foot FCL when importing a full line of couch suites from Vietnam. By doing this, they can ship dozens of pieces at a time. Even though delivery could take a few weeks, the bulk of the shipment makes it worth it for non-urgent stock replenishment.

Type of Goods: What Are You Shipping?

Choosing a type of freight depends on the nature of the goods you're sending. Some items are better suited to fast and secure transport. Others are more compatible with high-volume, cost-effective shipping. 

Consider size, sensitivity, and urgency when choosing between air freight and ocean freight. Matching your product type to the right shipping method reduces costs, improves reliability, and avoids delays. 

Air Freight

Air freight is ideal for goods that are time-sensitive, lightweight, or high in value. It’s often used for electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion items, and perishables. These products benefit from shorter transit times and reduced handling. Air cargo services also offer better security, which is important for valuable or fragile items.

However, there are size and weight restrictions to consider. Larger or bulkier items may not be accepted or could attract very high rates. Goods must also meet strict packaging and labelling requirements to comply with aviation safety standards.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight suits bulky, heavy, or non-urgent shipments. It is commonly used for machinery, raw materials, furniture, and large retail orders. These items are usually packed into containers and shipped in bulk, which helps reduce overall shipping costs.

Ocean freight can also accommodate dangerous goods, as long as they comply with international maritime regulations. This makes it a good option for chemicals and industrial supplies. Packaging must be sturdy to handle longer transit times and potential exposure to moisture.

Environmental Impact: Which is More Sustainable?

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Customers, investors, and governments are all placing greater emphasis on environmentally responsible practices. This includes how goods are shipped. 

Below, we explore the environmental impact of both air freight and ocean freight to help you make a more informed choice.

Air Freight

Air freight is one of the fastest ways to move goods internationally, but it comes at a significant environmental cost. Aircraft consume large amounts of fuel and release high levels of carbon dioxide. Per kilogram of cargo, planes emit far more greenhouse gases than ships.

While air freight offers unmatched speed, it has a much higher carbon footprint. This makes it a less sustainable option, particularly for non-urgent shipments. Businesses trying to reduce their environmental impact should limit the use of air freight to high-value or time-sensitive goods only.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is a slower mode of transport, but it is more environmentally friendly. Ships can move large quantities of cargo in a single journey. This makes ocean freight more efficient in terms of fuel used per unit of freight.

Although shipping still contributes to marine pollution and carbon emissions, its overall impact per tonne is significantly lower than air transport. Some carriers are also investing in cleaner fuels and sustainable shipping technologies. If sustainability is a key focus for your business, ocean freight is a better choice for bulk or non-urgent deliveries.

Choosing the Right Freight Solution

When it comes to air freight vs. ocean freight, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each method offers unique advantages depending on your business needs. Air freight is faster and more reliable for urgent or high-value goods. Ocean freight is more cost-effective and better suited for large or bulky shipments.

Couriers & Freight can help simplify the process. Our platform allows you to compare options and get customised quotes that match your shipping needs. 

Consider the speed, cost, volume, and nature of your goods before making a decision. Use these insights to choose the right freight solution for your business.

Ready to Choose the Right Shipping Method for Your Business?

Compare tailored air freight and ocean freight quotes to find the best solution for your needs. Get expert support from Couriers & Freight to simplify your shipping process.

Get a Quote Now