We all know that there is a clear difference between the two most popular global shipping methods, air freight, and sea freight, which are a big part of transport logistics, which may appear overly simple, but logistics specialists are aware that these terms cover a complex web of procedures that drive global trade.
Maintaining a basic knowledge of the global shipping environment is vital for developing supply chain resilience. You may create a stronger supply chain strategy and decision-making process by starting with this. Adopting an established plan through a forward stocking and freight forwarding partner is the recommended starting point for lean businesses that do not yet have the luxury of dedicating an internal team to tracking this aspect of their function.
How can you discover which shipping method is suitable for your shipment? Here are a few elements that affect how much air freight and aog logistics differ from marine freight.
A Comparison of Sea Cargo and Air Cargo
- Transit Speed
- Expenses and Capacity
Air freight is the best shipping choice for products that must reach their destination on time. When compared to maritime freight, the capacity of air carriers to instantly deal with and respond to interruptions and delays leads to quick transit. For a better understanding, a shipment can move from China to the USA in 5–7 days by air but could take 30–40 days by water.
Similar to some other transportation ways, air freight might face delays for several reasons, from unexpected, severe weather to technical or documentation problems. Despite this, rescheduling charter flights is still relatively flexible for air freight.
Companies can greatly benefit from a well-thought-out strategy since it provides them the freedom to select ocean freight, which is more affordable but slower than other choices. Due to its greater value capacity, which may hold small, consolidated products to ODC, bulk, or big shipments with a long shelf life, this transportation mode has lower costs.
As cross-border trade grows and more commodities are consumed internationally, which requires frequent shelf replenishment, businesses are still increasingly selecting air freight in spite of record-high costs, particularly during peak seasons.
Prior to being able to keep pace with the ongoing delays and bottlenecks in ocean freight, efforts to optimize ocean lanes still have a long way to go. As we pass the obstacles of the pandemic, rates for air cargo are becoming more competitive, which gives the industry a chance.
Additional Aspects of Freight Services
Security is yet another benefit of using air cargo for delivery with the help of AOG logistics. Airlines have established stronger security demands, including the need for products to get a Dangerous Goods Certificate, in response to many concerns linked to carrying passengers and other cargo. Along with safety and security, one aspect that is increasingly influencing both consumers and organizations is sustainability as measured by carbon footprint.
IATA estimates that 2% of the world’s carbon emissions come from the air freight industry. So, transport logistics has a big role here. The industry is driving efforts to implement greener functions using techniques that will ultimately save fuel consumption through weight load optimization, including, among others, investing in lightweight aircraft pallets (ULDs) and transitioning to biofuels.
Now that alternative, sustainable fuel choices are being investigated, the maritime industry is likewise working toward decarbonization. Both industries have decided to become carbon neutral by 2050 and cut their net carbon emissions by half.
Businesses no longer have to rely wholly on these plans to implement sustainable practices in their functions, even though we are still on the long road to a more sustainable supply chain. Aside from global freight, there are other aspects of transport logistics that can be investigated, such as carbon-neutral warehousing services, giving up single-use handling supplies, investing in clean, cutting-edge transportation solutions, and implementing social responsibility in all other facets of the business.
Which would you choose to carry your cargo? Depending on your supply chain plan, perhaps! A conditional decision must be made when choosing a mode for your foreign freight. Usually, the circumstances will necessitate more than one modal solution.
No single criteria should be used to build a supply chain decision; rather, a decision should consider several implicit elements that affect the global movement of commodities. These days, it is simpler and quicker to consider your choice in light of your present shipping demands because of supply chain technology.
The skill to perfectly predict what will occur in our supply chain lanes and determine how to avoid any issues caused by factors like a lack of available container space, obstructions in major shipping routes, climatic and weather conditions, or port congestion requires a committed team and a tight-knit network. Still, having confusion about the best choice for your cargo? Contact our specialists in global freight right away!