Pro's and Con's between Airfreight and Roadfreight

 

Author: Nesh Freight | Date Published: 4 January 2010 13h00 | Article Release

 

National and international shipment and transportation forms a large part of the South African economy. There are various options to choose from with regards to import/export methods and consignment deliveries - namely that of airfreight, railfreight, seafreight and roadfreight.

A number of factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing between these different means of transportation. Among them are price versus lead time, the nature of goods to be transported, time constraints and security; and individual preference also needs to be taken into account.

We will be discussing the pro's and con's of transporting consignments via airfreight versus roadfrieight.

Pricing Factor (cost effectiveness)

Airfreight charges are usually very much higher than the cost of roadfreight transportation due to airport tax/duties, more expensive fuel prices and volume constraints.

Airfreight is categorized according to the following: normal, hazardous, non-hazardous, valuable and perishable.

Road freight does however require additional costing implications (besides fuel) in the form of customs clearing and insurance, for example.

Nature of goods to be transported

Another factor to consider is the type or nature and the quantity/quality of goods that need to be transported.

Goods that are perishable and have a certain expiry date or life span might do better to be transported via air consignment whereas with products that are non-perishable and take up more space (volume) or that weigh more, would be more economically sent via roadfreight.

Cars are generally transported via road – due to their size and weight. More expensive items might do better to be transported via airfreight but again it comes down to personal preference and budget.

It would also be a good idea to take into account the location to which the consignments need to be delivered to in order to determine whether either would even be possible; for example, deliveries to remote villages or islands cannot feasibly contemplate airfreight.

Lead Time / Time Constraints

If the consignment needs to be delivered urgently then airfreight would be the best choice, as road freight can take days or even weeks depending on where the consignments need to go and if customs and border checking is required or not, for example.

Safety and Security Requirements (Risk factors)

Air cargo has certain security risks associated and thus need to conform to certain standards. Airfreight containers differ in size and design to those used for road freight containers especially with regards to the seals used which need to conform to certain air safety standards.

Roadfreight consignments should be insured for accidental loss in the event of a road accident in which the truck loses its load, and against hi-jacking, fire and theft.

Air and Road Freight Specialists

Nesh Freight International – leaders in air, road and sea freight solutions – is a specialist freighting logistics company with dedicated routes from South Africa to Malawi and Zambia. We can assist you in facilitating and streamlining your African consignments.

For more information contact us on 011 827 9561 or email info@neshfreight.co.za

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