There are three main modes of transportation in international logistics: international air freight, international sea freight and international railway. Air freight and sea freight have a wide range of transportation and strong transportation capacity, so most foreign trade companies and cross-border e-commerce companies will choose these two methods. Although air freight and sea freight are the current mainstream options, there are major differences between the two methods, including timeliness, services, fees, customs clearance methods, etc. Next, will introduce the specific differences between these two methods in detail. You can choose according to your actual situation.
- Transportation method
There is difference in transportation methods between international air freight and international sea freight International air transport uses airline aircraft as carriers and operates from airport to airport. International shipping uses ships of shipping companies as a means of transportation, and the operation method is from port to port. - Transport subject
All major airlines have international air freight carriers and logistics companies, such as Air Canada. American airlines. British Airways, etc., goods are transported to designated destinations via these international air services; the main transportation companies for international shipping are major shipping companies, such as Maersk. Evergreen, etc., the goods are transported to the designated destination through these shipping companies.
- Logistics timeliness
Due to the difference in the means of transportation between the two, the logistics timeliness of arriving in the same country is very different. International air transport uses airplanes, which has a fast timeliness, while international shipping uses ships, which has a slow timeliness. For example, for the U.S. dedicated line, international air freight normally takes 3-5 days, while international sea freight takes 30-35 days, and sometimes it takes longer. - Logistics costs
In terms of charges, there is also a big difference between international air freight and air freight. Although its logistics time is fast, the transportation cost is high, so the charges are more expensive. Shipping costs are low compared to international sea shipping. The transportation capacity is strong, so the cost is low.
- Inspection method
International shipping sometimes requires lifting and unpacking boxes, which is time-consuming and costly; it will incur inspection fees, and there may also be loading and unloading fees, trailer fees, etc.; while international air shipments undergo inspections based on the principle of “inspect first before warehousing”, which is fast and There is generally no inspection fee. - Customs clearance method
Although there is not much difference in the customs clearance process between international air transport and international sea transport, there is a big difference in the customs clearance timeliness. International air freight customs clearance can usually be completed within 1-2 days, while international sea freight takes about 3-4 days. In addition, international air transport is less expensive than sea transport in terms of miscellaneous fees and declaration documents. For example, if you export to the United States, sea transport needs to declare AMS (American Anti-Terrorism Manifest System), while air transport does not.
If you have any questions about cross-border transportation of goods, please feel free to contact us at any time:
Company Name: Shenzhen J sun Logistics Co., Ltd
Contacts： Grace
Email:Grace@logisticsalibaba.com
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