• 21-09-2021

Air Freight Vs Ocean Freight: Which Is Better?

It is a common question that arises when the best freight forwarding means come into play. We attempt to answer this question in the wake of post pandemic season and the transformed global scene.

Whether you choose air freight or sea freight, it is important that you have the best shipping companies in dubai to help you with. As one of the best shipping companies in Dubai, Skyocean has the perfect equipment and resources to see that your commodities reach their destination in time.

    1. Safety

    The shipment is subjected to stringent security checks by air freight companies. The hazard has decreased significantly as security screens; air terminals, air transportation, and burglary have become more dangerous. Safe deliveries to each client are ensured by reliable security combined with arguably the most secure mode. Furthermore, because of the faster deliveries, there is less danger of mistreatment and other product damage.

    The decision between air and marine freight is frequently more challenging than it appears. It's always a trade-off between cost and quality when transporting drugs. A comprehensive cost study could provide more information about costs. In terms of quality innovation and improvement, quality innovation in the healthcare industry is continuing, whereas quality innovation in the transportation industry occurs in other areas, such as technological advances for monitoring shipments. To recapitulate, because transportation is such a minor component of the pharmaceutical value chain, the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation option is to ensure that products are delivered undamaged and on time. One of the most important advantages of ocean freight is its safety. The ship's design can safely and reliably transport hazardous or dangerous products in maritime freight.

    The vessels are designed to ensure the safe transportation of such commodities; additionally, the designs are always being improved to make them better than before.

    2. Cost

    The cost difference between ocean cargo and air cargo is determined on the type of trade and freight being transported. Because plane limits are normally based on weight and ocean cargo limits are based on volume, the cost difference between ocean cargo and airfreight is smaller for light freight than for heavier freight. Due to the rapid and efficient nature of air delivery, it is more expensive than other modes of transportation. Ocean freight provides transporters with a cost-effective alternative to transfer their goods from one location to another. It offers very low-cost shipping. It is more reasonable and incredibly more feasible for larger payloads than other shipping rates.

    Sea freight is typically less expensive than air freight. Air freight, on the other hand, can be less expensive for smaller cargo. A complete cost analysis, in which all expenses associated with each alternative are estimated and compared, can be used to make a thorough comparison. For each mode of transportation - air, sea, and road – different measures are used to calculate the cost. Due to the limited space aboard an airplane, commodities will be priced using a specific formula for air travel. The formulas for road and marine travel are different. When comparing air and sea transportation, it's worth noting that the cost of shipping less than a container by sea freight is computed in cubic meters.

    3. Pollution

    When comparing air and sea freight, it is clear that air freight generates more carbon dioxide. However, the situation is far more complicated in reality, and it may just as well be some other way around. Given that transportation accounts for such a small portion of a pharmaceutical's total co2 emissions, it's evident that the most ecologically responsible alternative is to ensure that medicines are delivered quickly and safely. If the products are damaged during shipping and become unsellable, carbon emissions will skyrocket as the products are destroyed and replaced with new ones. As a result, air freight is the most enviable option for sensitive drugs.

    Pollution and carbon emissions caused by various modes of transportation cause significantly more harm to the environment than we can imagine. One of the advantages of ocean commerce is that it distributes minimal contaminants because ships have a smaller carbon footprint than planes. That is the primary reason why large corporations choose to ship goods by sea.

    4. Speed

    Air freight is unquestionably faster than maritime freight. It can take weeks for ocean cargo to arrive. It simply takes a day or two for air freight to arrive at its destination. Despite the fact that ships are becoming quicker and ocean shipping routes are continually being optimised, air freight remains the fastest mode of transport.

    Faster delivery times are increasingly becoming the norm in many industries, but before rushing to send everything by air, take some time to figure out your shipping strategy properly. It will save you money in the long run by creating long-term advantages.

    5. Reliability

    Airlines are usually better than ocean carriers at dealing with schedule adjustments. Weather conditions can derail airline schedules far more readily than they do derail ocean voyages, although flights are usually adjusted and rescheduled promptly and effectively. Furthermore, there are frequently many flights between major cities every day, whereas ships sail once a week.

    This isn't to say that air freight is always more dependable than maritime freight. When a ship's timetable is disrupted, it usually takes a few days for them to get back on track. Continual alliances between ocean carriers, on the other hand, can help to enhance ocean service integrity and reliability, which makes ocean transportation more appealing.

How to Choose Between Air Freight and Sea Freight?

The speed of delivery is usually the top argument for choosing air service. When opposed to ocean transportation, flying your cargo allows for a shorter transit time. This is especially helpful when delivering items that have a short shelf life. However, speedier service comes at a cost, which is frequently greater shipping charges. It's up to you to figure out which option is best for your shipping strategy. Examine when your items must reach at their destination, your finances, and how each mode will impact your company's most pressing demands.

Ship through air if your shipments have a hard, fast-approaching arrival deadline and your budget enables it. If you want to save money or have more flexibility with your arrival date, you can choose sea freight. Shippers have faced several issues as a result of COVID-19, including rate swings and delays. You may be thinking which option to choose for your next freight shipment in light of all the uncertainties. Air freight charges are currently substantially higher than typical due to two factors: first, passenger transportation regulations have limited capacity. Second, medical supplies are being prioritized for the capacity that is available.

Airlines are still operating, and some are even supplementing cargo flights with passenger planes. You can still deliver by air if your journey time or another reason requires it. Ocean freight is often much inexpensive during non-pandemic times, just as it is during non-pandemic times.

Shippers have faced several issues as a result of COVID-19, including rate swings and delays. You may be thinking which option to choose before your next freight shipment in light of all the uncertainties. Air freight charges are currently substantially higher than typical due to 2 reasons: first, passenger transportation regulations have limited capacity. Second, medical supplies are being prioritized for the capacity that is available.

Final thoughts

When you are looking for a freight service provider, it is important that you choose the most reliable shipping companies in Dubai to do the work for you. As one of the best air freight companies in UAE, Skyocean guarantees you the safe, secure and affordable transport of your cargo across air, sea and land.