Ocean freight means sending goods via a shipping vessel. The cargo is packed into boxes or crates, and then loaded onto shipping containers which are booked by the likes of freight forwarders/shipping agents such as Transco Cargo Australia. Based on the shipping terms you agree on when choosing ocean freight, the cargo is loaded onto a truck and then moved to the warehouse which will be loaded onto a container and later taken to the port of origin. The shipping terms may be port-to-port, pickup/delivery, door-to-port, door-to-door, or port-to-door. Many clients choose ocean freight over air freight. In this blog, we look at why.
Often, air freight is the expensive alternative to ocean freight, and that is one way why customers opt to plan in advance when needing to send something overseas. The size of the cargo also plays a factor in the consideration, as large cargo would prove to be difficult to air freight or it would be extremely expensive. There are some items that are on the restricted air cargo list, and must be sent via ocean freight but perishable items such as fruits/vegetables, you may not choose ocean freight over air freight due to the expiry date.
Thus le’ts look at the ocean freight over air freight pointers below.
| Ocean Freight | vs. | Air Freight |
| Low Cost | Cost | High Cost |
| Slower | Time | Faster |
| Any size | Size of cargo | The size of the cargo will determine the feasibility of airfreight |
| No restrictions. | Restricted cargo | Some cargo is restricted from airfreight. |
| Perishable cargo | Perishable cargo may have to travel by air to keep from spoiling |