What is ‘Sea-Air’ Forwarding?

Written by Mark Scanlon

1 April 2024

When it comes to transporting goods globally, freight forwarders often require a balance between speed and cost-effectiveness. ‘Sea-Air’ is a strategic hybrid logistics solution, quickly emerging as the innovative answer to this challenge. This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of Sea-Air freight, providing you with a clear understanding of its operations, benefits, and why it’s becoming an essential service in global trade.

What is Sea-Air Freight?

Sea-Air freight combines the long-haul capabilities of ocean freight with the speed of air transport, bridging continents and providing a solution that is both time and cost-efficient. Goods are transported by ocean from the origin point to a midpoint, where they are then transferred to an aircraft for the final leg of the journey.

How Sea-Air Freight Works

The process begins with ocean freight from the country of origin to a transhipment hub, usually located at a strategic midpoint between origin and destination. Upon arrival at the hub, cargo is swiftly transferred to an aircraft, which completes the delivery to the final destination.

Benefits of Sea-Air Freight

Speed: While faster than ocean freight, it’s generally slower than airfreight, striking a balance that can be crucial for time-sensitive shipments.

Cost: It’s often significantly cheaper than airfreight, providing considerable savings.

Flexibility: This mode can be a contingency for unexpected delays in ocean freight, offering an alternative to avoid further delay.

Emission Reduction: By utilising ocean freight for part of the journey, there’s a reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional airfreight.

Why Businesses Choose Sea-Air Freight

Using a garment business as a case study, we see that fast fashion requires rapid replenishment of stock. If ocean freight is delayed, Sea-Air offers a solution to expedite delivery, ensuring retailers can meet consumer demand without excessive spending on transportation.

Scanlon Freight’s Sea-Air Service

Scanlon Freight’s unique selling point (USP) in Sea-Air freight lies in our integrated service from a single point of contact, backed by a global network of partners. We ensure a seamless and personalised shipping experience, from the factory floor in China to retail stores in the UK.

Do your goods meet the rules for sea and air freight?

It’s important to recognise that not every type of good is appropriate for transportation through these channels, necessitating a careful examination of the specific regulations governing the shipment of dangerous goods via both air and sea. Ensuring compliance with these guidelines is crucial to avoid potential hazards and legal complications, underscoring the need for meticulous attention to the rules and standards set forth for safely shipping these types of items. Not sure if your goods meet the rules? Contact us.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of modern logistics, Sea-Air freight stands out as the innovative thread that binds the fast pace of air transport with the economic advantages of sea freight. For businesses that operate within the dynamic ebb and flow of global trade, particularly like those in the fast-moving garment industry, Sea-Air freight is not just an option, it’s a strategic move to stay ahead in the competitive market. Scanlon Freight takes this innovative shipping model a step further by offering a cohesive, personalised service.

Scanlon Freight understands that each shipment is unique, and with our integrated single point of contact system, clients receive tailored solutions that align perfectly with their logistical needs. Our strong network of partners ensures that every step of the Sea-Air freight journey is handled with expertise, from the selection of sea transit routes to the final air leg of the delivery.

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