The sticker price lies
Air freight quotes per kilogram; sea freight quotes per container or cubic meter. Comparing them directly is meaningless — you must compare total cost per sellable unit, including the cost of time.
The numbers for a 500 kg shipment, China to the Gulf
Factor Sea (LCL) Air
--- --- ---
Freight cost $650 $2,400
Transit time 28–35 days 3–6 days
Customs + fees $420 $280
Inventory cost of 30 extra days* $540 $0
True total $1,610 $2,680
*Capital tied up plus storage, estimated at 1.5% of goods value per month on $12,000 of goods.
Break-even by product value
:::chart When air wins (value density, USD per kg)
Under $4/kg - sea always | 15
$4-15/kg - sea usually | 45
$15-40/kg - depends on season | 75
Over $40/kg - air often wins | 95
:::
When air is the right call
- Stockouts — a lost sales week costs more than the freight difference.
- Samples and launches — speed is the product.
- High value density — electronics, cosmetics, spare parts.
> Never ask which is cheaper. Ask which is cheaper for this product, this month, at this value.
Compare real quotes
Prebro''s freight marketplace returns sea and air quotes side by side for your exact lane and cargo — so the break-even is a number you see, not a guess you make.