lautnusantara.com A key decision in logistics management is choosing the right mode of transportation. Selecting a shipping method that fits your business needs is crucial for exporters. There are many ways to ship goods internationally for export, both by sea and by air. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore the benefits of exporting via sea versus air so you can determine the right shipping route for your business.

1. Sea Freight

Sea freight remains the most widely used method for export shipping. In Indonesia, the majority of export activities use maritime transportation. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, sea exports contributed 94.66% of Indonesia's total exports in 2021.

The advantages of sea freight are that it can transport large quantities of goods at once and is suitable for all categories of items. When loaded onto a ship, goods are placed in large containers. Sea routes are ideal for exporting general commodities and low-value goods. In addition, the shipping cost is relatively more affordable compared to other routes, and it serves numerous destinations in various countries.

The disadvantage of sea freight is that the transit time is relatively long. This is due to the many processes involved, such as loading, port calls, and unloading.

2. Air Freight

For those who need fast delivery, air freight is the way to go, as goods can arrive in just 1 to 5 days. Unlike sea freight, which can accommodate all types of goods, the range of commodities that can be shipped by air is quite limited. Generally, air transport is used for high-value items such as documents and perishable products like food.

Besides being fast, another advantage of air freight is its ability to ship to and from various parts of the world. Many industrial cities now have airports for economic purposes, making shipping even easier.

Saving time is a key benefit of air freight. However, this comes with a proportionally higher shipping cost. Furthermore, air freight is calculated based on weight per kilogram and the dimensions of the goods, making it less suitable for large-quantity commodities.

Considerations for Choosing Sea or Air Freight

Both sea and air freight have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, before you decide which shipping method to use, it's a good idea to consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best transportation option for your business.

• Type and Scale of Goods

  The first thing to consider is the type and scale of your goods. The larger the quantity of goods you ship, the cheaper the cost. If you are shipping many large items, using sea freight will likely be more profitable.

• Urgency of Goods

  Next, it's important to consider the urgency of the goods. If you need to export high-priority items like perishable food or important documents, using air transport will ensure they arrive quickly. If you're exporting items from China, such as clothing that isn't needed urgently, sea freight is the best choice.

• Business Budget

  In addition to considering the scale and urgency of the goods, your budget is another crucial factor. All costs, from shipping tariffs and import duties to taxes, must be carefully calculated to determine which mode of transportation has the most economical total export cost.

• Government Regulations

  Shipping activities to and from foreign countries are subject to specific government regulations. Policies that frequently change can either facilitate or complicate matters for exporters. Therefore, you must stay up-to-date on the latest regulations.

These are the advantages of exporting via sea versus air, along with the factors to consider when choosing. Both sea and air freight have their own pros and cons. Ultimately, there are many factors to consider to ensure you choose the most suitable shipping method.

If you are a beginner exporter who wants to ship goods but is unsure which mode of transportation to choose, you can contact Ancala Logistic. Our team will provide guidance and the best solutions to help you with your challenges.

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