Choosing between air and sea freight is one of the most important cost decisions an importer makes.
Air freight is fast (typically 3-7 business days) and best for urgent, high-value, or low-volume cargo. The trade-off is a higher cost per kilogram, and carriers charge on the greater of actual or volumetric weight.
Sea freight is far more cost-effective for bulk and heavy shipments, but it is slower (25-40 days depending on port and season). LCL (less than container load) suits smaller volumes, while FCL (full container load) is ideal once you can fill a 20ft or 40ft container.
Before you decide, compare the total landed cost, not just the freight quote. Factor in duties, inspection, handling, and local delivery. For time-sensitive restocks, the extra air cost can be worth it; for planned inventory, sea freight usually wins.