Shipping
Air vs ocean freight: how to choose
Chargeable weight, transit time and total cost — when air pays off and when ocean wins.
4 min read
How air is priced
Airlines charge the greater of actual weight and volume weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000). Light, bulky goods get expensive quickly.
How ocean is priced
Full containers (FCL) are priced per container; shared containers (LCL) per cubic metre. Ocean is usually 5–15 times cheaper per kilo, but takes weeks instead of days.
Rule of thumb
Choose air for high-value, urgent or small shipments. Choose ocean when you ship more than about 2 cubic metres, or when your margin can't absorb air freight.
Put this guide to work
General guidance only — confirm rates and requirements with a customs broker for your shipment.