Choosing the right shipping mode dramatically affects your margins and delivery timelines. Here is a side-by-side breakdown.
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL)
Best for large, heavy, or non-urgent shipments. FCL (Full Container Load) is cost-effective at scale; LCL (Less than Container Load) works for smaller volumes.
Air Freight
Up to 10x more expensive per kg, but transit is 3–7 days vs 25–40 days by sea. Use for electronics, fashion, or seasonal goods where speed is critical.
Our Recommendation
For most importers starting out, LCL sea freight with an experienced freight forwarder is the safest entry point.