Importers and exporters regularly choose between air and sea freight. Air is fast but expensive; sea is slow but economical for larger volumes. The right choice depends on the goods, urgency and total landed cost. This guide compares air vs sea freight with a worked example, using our free Freight Cost Calculator.
How air freight is charged
Air cargo is charged per kg of chargeable weight, the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (usually L × W × H in cm ÷ 6,000). Read DIM divisors compared.
How sea freight is charged
- FCL (full container load): a price per container.
- LCL (less than container load): per CBM or per tonne, whichever is greater. Read CBM and LCL shipping charges.
Transit times (typical ranges)
| Mode | Door-to-door time |
|---|---|
| Air freight | Several days to about a week |
| Sea freight (Asia routes) | Several weeks |
| Sea freight (Europe or US) | About 4 to 8 weeks |
Actual times vary with route, port congestion and customs.
Worked comparison
Shipment: 2 CBM, 600 kg.
Air: volumetric weight = 2 × 167 = 334 kg; actual 600 kg is higher, so chargeable = 600 kg. At an illustrative $4 per kg: $2,400.
Sea LCL: chargeable = max(2 CBM, 0.6 tonnes) = 2 revenue tons. At an illustrative $60 per CBM plus $150 local charges: $270.
Air is about nine times the price here, but arrives weeks earlier.
When air makes sense
- High-value, light goods (electronics, pharmaceuticals, samples)
- Urgent orders or stockouts
- Perishable goods
When sea makes sense
- Heavy or bulky goods
- Planned replenishment
- Low-margin products
Total landed cost
Include duties, taxes, insurance, port charges, customs clearance and inland transport. Convert currency with the USD to PKR tool.
Responsibilities
Who pays which charges depends on the Incoterm. Read Incoterms explained. Calculate CBM with the CBM Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is air freight always more expensive?
Per kg, yes, usually several times more than sea freight.
How is air freight chargeable weight calculated?
Higher of actual weight and volume in cm³ ÷ 6,000.
When should I choose sea freight?
For heavy, bulky or non-urgent goods.