Why freight matters
For any store importing or moving volume, freight is a top cost line and the biggest block of lead time. Mode choices, sea versus air, full container versus shared, set the trade between speed, cost, and inventory commitment.
Freight modes and choices
- Ocean: cheapest per unit, weeks in transit
- Air: days instead of weeks, at a multiple of the cost
- FCL vs LCL: your own container or shared space
- Ground and rail for the domestic legs
Questions
What does a freight forwarder do?
Arranges the journey: booking carriers, consolidating loads, handling documents and customs coordination. Most merchants use one rather than dealing with shipping lines directly.
When is air freight worth it?
When time is worth more than the premium: launches, restocks of hot sellers, high-value-low-weight goods. Some stores split shipments, air for the first slice, sea for the rest.