Land, Air, Sea Freight: Which Shipping Method Is Best Suited For Your Business

It’s well-known that everyone’s things don’t all come from where they live. Take, for example, the coffee you drink every morning. Coffee beans can originate from some plantation in South America or other cities you may never have heard of. Have you ever wondered, then, how they get to you? 

They reach you because companies ship your orders to where you can access them. And the world has a lot to thank improvement in shipping technology for it as the times have changed.

In the dawn of ecommerce and online shopping, the demand for these cargo services has become unhinged. More products are shipped worldwide, and many see this event as beautiful. It creates a scene likened to a tiny village trading goods all the time. 

However, finding the best freight service for your business as an entrepreneur may be confusing. But it’s simple. Three shipping methods are available to you: land, air, and sea freight. The option you choose may depend on what you need.

Whether following your company’s budget or promised lead time to your customers, you can find the right shipping method for you. Let’s explore each freight type and examine their corresponding pros and cons, to find out which is the best suited for your business.

Which One is the Best Shipping Method for You?

So, how do you know which option is the one for your business? Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation.

Land Freight

Land freight moves cargo on the road. You’ll need road vehicles like trucks, vans, trains, and even motorcycles to move your items. They can be combined with other shipping methods. The good thing about this method is it reaches the nooks and crannies of the map. Moreover, you—and your customers—can easily track them. 

However, this option can only access land, unable to cross oceans or other borders. They’re also relatively smaller than other freights, so they can’t carry a lot, and the delivery time depends on the traffic situation and accessibility to national highways and public roads.

Air Freight

As the name suggests, air freights need some flying and a lot of fuel. And since air carriers must make several trips and refuel, expect to see this option to be on the pricier side. 

On the upside, this shipment method reaches almost any place on earth. If you have ever ridden an airplane, you’d know how strict security can get—which is a good thing because there is less risk of theft and damage to the cargo. However, the difficulty in predicting weather conditions is an issue for air shipments that can lead to delays.  

Another concern with air freight is the limited options of goods that can be transferred. A few electrical gadgets or products with chemicals may be prohibited, or, in some cases, may be required to present documents for these goods to be allowed for air transport.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is where literal “shipping” happens. Gigantic cargo ships must wade through the waters to move products to different places. This method is also the most economical shipment solution because it can accommodate many goods yet emit the least gas emissions. One may say they’re the most environmentally friendly too. 

Like air freights, they also depend on weather conditions, making them the slowest option. And some areas may not have ports to receive the cargo. 

Piracy threats are also another concern when it comes to sea freight, the reason the majority of shipping lines and merchants across the globe avail shipping insurance for financial and business security

Finding The Best Shipping Method

Let’s do a quick recap. Land freight is the most common mode for domestic shipping and is cost-effective for short to medium distances. Air freight is famous for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments. However, this is the most expensive of the three freight methods. The last one, sea freight, is the preferred choice for transporting large volumes of goods internationally. It is also cost-effective but is the slowest, which makes it no ideal for shipping perishable and other time-sensitive goods.

There is no better freight than the other by default. Each form is made for various shipment purposes. As such, it’s best to know your product, the packaging material used, and the customers’ demands to pick the best one. Remember, each freight method has its own unique strengths, so careful planning is needed to ensure hassle-free shipping and safety of the goods. Check out and learn more about how these shipping methods can help your business.