Air vs. Sea Freight: Which is Right for Your Machinery Import?
When importing textile machinery from China, your choice of freight mode—Air or Sea—can significantly impact your timeline, cost, and customs handling.
Choosing the wrong option could delay your production or inflate costs unnecessarily.
Here’s a complete comparison to help you decide which freight method suits your business best.
Air vs. Sea Freight at a Glance
| Criteria | Air Freight | Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 3–7 days | 18–35 days |
| Cost | High (₹200–₹500/kg) | Lower (₹3–₹10/kg for bulk) |
| Cargo Size | Small to medium | Medium to very large |
| Customs Handling | Simpler, faster | Slightly complex for LCL shipments |
| Use Cases | Urgent, high-value machinery | Bulk, heavy, non-urgent cargo |
When to Choose Air Freight
Air freight is ideal when:- You need urgent delivery (e.g., to meet an installation deadline)
- The shipment is lightweight but high-value
- You're importing sample units or spare parts
- Fastest transit
- Lower risk of damage
- Easier documentation
- High per kg rate
- Not ideal for oversized machines
When to Choose Sea Freight
Sea freight works best when:- You're shipping heavy or voluminous machinery
- You can afford a longer lead time
- You want cost savings on large orders
- FCL (Full Container Load) – For large, dedicated cargo
- LCL (Less than Container Load) – For small-volume imports
- Economical for bulk
- Handles oversized cargo
- EPCG documentation integrates smoothly
- Slower delivery
- LCL shipments may face delays at port consolidation
Example Use Case
Importer: Textile factory in SuratCargo: 4 jacquard weaving machines (~8 tons)
Decision: Chose Sea Freight (FCL) → Saved ₹2.6 lakhs compared to air freight
Transit Time: 22 days from Ningbo Port to Nhava Sheva
Hidden Factors to Consider
- Port Congestion: Sea ports can face delays due to traffic and weather
- Customs Clearance Speed: Air cargo clears faster at major airports
- Insurance: Sea freight often needs additional marine insurance for long routes
How Harson Exim Helps You Decide
At Harson Exim, we:- Recommend the best route based on cargo specs
- Compare real-time air vs. sea rates
- Manage EPCG documentation regardless of shipping mode
- Track your shipment from supplier pickup to Indian delivery
Need Help Choosing the Right Freight Method?
Avoid costly freight mistakes. Let Harson Exim guide your logistics.Request Freight Consultation | Get a Rate Comparison