FCL or LCL? How to pick the right sea freight option
Sharing a container can save you money, but not always. Here's how to work out which one makes sense for your shipment.
Read ArticleAir freight is the fastest way to move goods internationally, and usually the most expensive. The good news is that a few simple habits can bring the cost down without losing the speed you're paying for.
First, understand how you're charged
Airlines don't just charge by weight. Because space on a plane is limited, light but bulky shipments are charged by their size instead. This is called volumetric (or dimensional) weight.
Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000 = volumetric weight (kg)6,000 is the most common divisor. Some carriers and services use a different figure.
You're charged for whichever is higher, the actual weight or the volumetric weight. This is called the chargeable weight, and it's where most savings are found.
1. Cut down your packaging
Oversized boxes mean you're paying to fly air. Use packaging that fits your goods snugly while still protecting them. Even a few centimetres off each side of a box can noticeably reduce the volumetric weight.
2. Get your weights and sizes right
If the dimensions you give don't match what's measured at the airport, your price can change and your shipment can be held. Measure and weigh everything before you ask for a quote.
3. Book earlier
Last-minute bookings often mean paying a premium for whatever space is left. If you know a shipment is coming up, tell your forwarder as early as you can.
4. Ask about slower air options
Not everything needs the very next flight. Many services offer standard or economy air options that are a bit slower but cost less. They're still far quicker than going by sea.
5. Consolidate shipments
Several small shipments to the same place usually cost more than one larger one. If you can, group orders together. Your forwarder can also combine your cargo with other shipments on the same route.
6. Choose air only when you need it
Air freight is perfect for urgent, high-value or perishable goods. For heavy items that aren't urgent, sea or road freight may make more sense. A mix of the two often works best: fly what's urgent and ship the rest.
Quick tip
Stack and palletise where you can, but avoid irregular shapes that waste space around them. A neat, square shipment is cheaper to fly than a jumble of odd-sized boxes.
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