When importing goods from overseas, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to ship them. Air freight and sea freight each have distinct advantages — and understanding the trade-offs is key to optimising your supply chain.
Speed vs Cost
- Air freight from China to the UK typically takes 3–5 days
- Sea freight from China to the UK typically takes 25–35 days
- Air freight can cost 4–6x more per kg than sea freight
When to Choose Air Freight
- Your goods are time-sensitive or perishable
- You’re shipping high-value, low-weight cargo
- You need to respond quickly to demand spikes
- You’re shipping samples or urgent replenishments
- Your profit margins can absorb higher freight costs
When to Choose Sea Freight
Sea freight is the right call when:
- You’re shipping large volumes or heavy goods
- Lead times allow for longer transit
- Cost efficiency is the priority
- You’re moving full container loads (FCL)
- You ship regularly and can plan ahead
FCL vs LCL on Sea Freight
If your cargo doesn’t fill a full container, Less than Container Load (LCL) allows you to share space with other shippers — reducing costs while still benefiting from ocean rates.
ASA Logistics Can Help
At ASA Logistics, we offer both air freight and sea freight services, including door-to-door, airport-to-airport, and port-to-port options. Our team will assess your cargo and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Contact us today for a tailored freight quote.
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