Air vs Sea FreightUK to India
Choose the right shipping method for your needs. Compare pricing, transit times, and find out which option is best for your cargo.
Air Freight
Fast delivery by air cargo
Sea Freight
Economical ocean shipping
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Complete Feature Comparison
Everything you need to know, side by side
Which Service is Right for You?
Use this guide to decide whether air or sea freight is the better choice for your shipment
Choose Air Freight When
- You need your items delivered within 2-3 weeks
- Sending lightweight items where volumetric weight is similar to actual weight
- Time-sensitive documents or gifts
- Items needed for a specific event or occasion
- Business shipments with deadlines
Choose Sea Freight When
- You have 6-8 weeks before items are needed
- Sending heavy items (clothing, books, kitchenware)
- Moving household goods or personal effects
- Shipping items where cost savings are priority
- Large volume shipments over 80kg
Understanding Weight Calculations
How we calculate your shipping cost for each service
Air Freight: Chargeable Weight
Air freight uses the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight:
Volumetric = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000
Example: A 50cm × 40cm × 30cm box weighing 10kg has a volumetric weight of 12kg. You would be charged for 12kg (the higher of the two).
Sea Freight: Actual Weight Only
Sea freight uses only the actual weight shown on the scale:
Chargeable = Actual Weight (scale reading)
Example: The same 50cm × 40cm × 30cm box weighing 10kg would be charged for just 10kg. No volumetric calculation means big savings for bulky items.
Pro Tip: Save with Sea Freight on Bulky Items
If you're shipping bulky but lightweight items like pillows, clothing, or household goods, sea freight can save you significantly since there's no volumetric penalty.
Important: Weight Limits Apply
For both air and sea freight, individual pieces must not exceed 30kg. All carrier pickup terms and conditions apply including:
- Heavy weight surcharge (£60) for items over 30kg
- Long length surcharge (£60) for items over 80cm in any dimension
- Surcharges waived for warehouse drop-offs
Surcharges Apply to Both Services
The following surcharges apply equally to air and sea freight
Long Length Charge
£60 per parcelFor items exceeding 80cm in any dimension (height, width, or length)
Waived if dropped at our warehouse
Heavy Weight Surcharge
£60 per parcelFor items exceeding 30kg in weight (health and safety regulations)
Waived if dropped at our warehouse
Non-Compatible Items
£15 per parcelFor suitcases, bags, trolley bags, shrink-wrapped boxes. Our current label loss rate is 60-70% for these items.
We strongly recommend using standard cardboard boxes
Locked Items
£25 per parcelFor any suitcases, bags, or boxes sent in a locked condition. This covers professional lock cutting.
Please ensure all items are unlocked before shipping
Our Price Transparency Promise
When we say everything is included, we mean it. Whether you visit our warehouse directly or call us, you will never be surprised with additional charges. The price you see is the price you pay — no hidden fees, no concealed costs, no last-minute additions. Complete transparency is our promise to you.
Read what our customers sayReady to Get Your Quote?
Use our calculator to see both air and sea freight prices for your shipment