What is the difference between international air transportation, international sea transportation, how to choose between sea transportation and air transportation

Air freight and sea freight are the current mainstream choice, but the two ways have a big difference, including the time limit, service, tariffs, customs clearance methods, etc. Below, we will provide you with a detailed introduction to the specific differences between the two ways.

Figure source: Tencent cloud APE

1, the mode of transportation

International air transport and international maritime transport in the mode of transportation there is a big difference. International air transportation is to airline airplanes as a means of transportation, the mode of operation is airport to airport. International sea transportation, on the other hand, uses the ships of shipping companies as the means of transportation, and the mode of operation is port to port.

2, the main body of transportation

International air transportation is the main body of major airlines, logistics companies, such as Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, etc., the goods are transported to the designated destination through these international air transport; the main body of international maritime transportation is the main shipping companies, such as Maersk, EVA, etc., the goods are delivered to the designated destination through these shipping companies.

3, logistics time

Because of the difference between the two in the means of transportation, resulting in their arrival in the same country's logistics time is a big difference, in which the international air transport using aircraft, the time limit is fast, while the international maritime use of ships, the time limit is slow. For example, the U.S. special line, under normal circumstances, choose international air transportation takes 3-5 days, while the international sea transportation takes 30-35 days, sometimes a little longer.

4, logistics costs

International air transport and international maritime transport in the tariffs also have a big difference, although the logistics of air transport logistics time is fast, but the high cost of transportation, so the tariffs are more expensive. The international sea freight, low transportation costs, strong capacity, so the cost is lower.

5, inspection method

International sea freight sometimes have to lift the box, empty the box, time-consuming, high cost; will produce inspection fees, there may also be loading and unloading fees, trailer fees, etc.; and international air delivery inspection, the implementation of the principle of "first inspection into the warehouse" principle, fast, generally no inspection fees.

6, customs clearance

International air transportation and international shipping, although there is no big difference in the customs clearance process, but there is a big difference in the customs clearance time. International air transportation clearance is usually done within 1-2 days, while international sea transportation takes about 3-4 days. Besides, in terms of miscellaneous fees, declaration documents, etc., international air transportation is less than sea transportation, such as exporting to the United States, sea transportation needs to declare AMS (American Manifest System against Terrorism), while air transportation does not.

The above 6 items are the main difference between international air transport and international sea transport, from the above difference can be learned: international air transport fast time, high freight, suitable for mailing small pieces of goods, the time required for high requirements; and international sea transport, time is slow, low freight, if you want to transport large and heavy goods, you should choose the sea transport is better.