When it comes to international shipping, there are two main options to choose from: sea freight and air freight. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to understand the differences in order to choose the best option for your business.

Fortunately, ISS Shipping is here to help with our sea freight VS air freight blog!

Sea Freight

Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, is the most common and cost-effective way to ship goods internationally. It's a great option for large and heavy shipments, as well as for shipping full container loads (FCL) or less than container loads (LCL).

Advantages:

• Cost-effective: Sea freight is generally cheaper than air freight, especially for large or heavy shipments.
• Capacity: There is greater capacity for sea freight, which makes it a more reliable option for shipping large quantities of goods.
• Environmentally friendly: Compared to air freight, sea freight is the much more environmentally friendly option as ships release fewer emissions than airplanes.

Disadvantages:

• Transit time: Sea freight transit times are generally longer than air freight transit times, which can be an issue for time-sensitive shipments. 
• Weather: Sea freight is more susceptible to weather-related delays, which can be an issue for perishable goods.

Air Freight

Air freight is a faster but more expensive option for international shipping. It's a great option for time-sensitive or high-value shipments, as well as for shipping smaller quantities of goods.

Advantages:

• Speed: Air freight transit times are generally shorter than sea freight transit times, making it ideal for shipping time-sensitive/perishable goods.
• Reliability: Air freight is less susceptible to weather-related delays and is generally more reliable for time-sensitive shipments.
• Security: Air freight is generally considered to be more secure than sea freight, as the goods are under the control of the transport provider for a shorter period of time.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, especially for large or heavy shipments.
• Capacity: There is a limited capacity for air freight, which can make it less reliable for shipping large quantities of goods.

Determining which mode of transport is best for shipping your goods internationally is not always easy. It is for this reason that we recommend all businesses get in touch with ISS Shipping.

With many years of industry experience and an extensive network of transport providers and carriers across the globe, ISS Shipping will ensure you are shipping your goods in the fastest, most efficient, and most cost-effective way possible!

Call ISS Shipping today for more information.