Glossary · Business & Sourcing
What Is Sea vs Air Freight?
Sea and air freight are the two main transport modes for cosmetics shipments. Sea freight costs far less per unit but adds weeks of transit and is booked by container; air freight is fast but priced by chargeable weight, and is normally reserved for samples, launches and urgent replenishment.
Why it matters when you source
Freight mode is a working-capital decision as much as a cost one, because slower transit means more inventory in motion and a longer cash cycle. Model both against your launch date, and remember that liquids are heavy, so weight drives the air cost.
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