Why Air Freight Costs More Than Sea Freight
Why Air Freight Costs More Than Sea Freight
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Speed Comes at a Cost
- Limited Cargo Space
- Higher Fuel and Operating Costs
- Handling and Compliance Requirements
- When Air Freight Makes Sense
- Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Introduction
Businesses often ask why air freight costs more than sea freight. While both methods move cargo internationally, the pricing structures are very different due to speed, capacity, and operational requirements.
Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right shipping method based on urgency, budget, and cargo type.
Speed Comes at a Cost
The biggest reason air freight costs more than sea freight is speed.
Air shipments typically move within days, while sea freight can take several weeks depending on the route. Aircraft operate on tight schedules, and the cost of maintaining air transport infrastructure is significantly higher than sea transport.
Faster delivery requires:
Higher operational expenses
Airport handling procedures
Advanced logistics coordination
When time is critical, air freight provides efficiency, but that speed carries a premium.
Limited Cargo Space
Aircraft have far less cargo capacity compared to container vessels.
A single container ship can carry thousands of containers at once, while aircraft space is limited and must be carefully allocated. Because space is restricted, airlines charge based on chargeable weight, which considers both gross weight and volumetric weight.
The volumetric weight formula is:
Length × Width × Height ÷ 6,000
Whichever is higher between gross weight and volumetric weight becomes the chargeable weight.
This pricing model reflects the value of limited cargo space on aircraft.
Higher Fuel and Operating Costs
Air transport is significantly more fuel intensive than sea transport. Aircraft consume more fuel per kilogram of cargo compared to vessels, which are designed to move large volumes more efficiently over long distances.
In addition, airport operations, security procedures, and cargo screening contribute to higher overall operating costs.
These factors directly influence air freight rates.
Handling and Compliance Requirements
Air cargo involves strict security and compliance measures.
Shipments may require:
Airline acceptance procedures
Security screening
Special approvals for certain cargo types
For dangerous goods or temperature sensitive shipments, additional handling requirements can further increase costs.
While sea freight also has compliance requirements, air freight procedures are generally more time sensitive and operationally intensive.
When Air Freight Makes Sense
Although air freight costs more than sea freight, it offers clear advantages in certain situations.
Air freight is often preferred when:
Time sensitive deliveries are required
High value cargo is being shipped
Inventory replenishment is urgent
Products have short shelf lives
Choosing between air and sea freight depends on balancing cost against delivery timelines.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Sea freight is typically more cost effective for larger, less urgent shipments, especially when using LCL or FCL options. Air freight is better suited for speed critical cargo.
At JTrans, we assess shipment dimensions, weight, cargo type, and urgency before recommending the most suitable shipping method. Our goal is to provide transparent freight rates while helping clients optimise both cost and delivery performance.
CoIf you are unsure whether air or sea freight is right for your shipment, our team can provide guidance based on your specific cargo requirements.
