Under the deep integration of China's Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi's Vision 2030, how should Chinese enterprises choose the most suitable logistics method for shipping goods to Saudi? What are the core advantages and applicable scenarios of air and sea freight?
Below is a comparison of the advantages of air and sea freight across four key dimensions:
Timeliness
Air freight from major Chinese cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to Saudi airports like Riyadh and Jeddah takes only around 10 hours. The entire door to door process can be completed in as little as 3–5 days, making it ideal for urgent orders, high-value products (e.g., electronics, pharmaceuticals), and seasonal goods. In contrast, sea freight takes 30–40 days, with port-to-port transit alone requiring 25–30 days. It is more suitable for bulk cargo that is not time-sensitive, such as machinery and building materials.
Cargo Types and Restrictions
Air freight has strict regulations on sensitive items (such as those containing batteries or liquids), often requiring transshipment through hub airports like Hong Kong using cargo flights. Sea freight, on the other hand, can carry a wider variety of goods, including toy guns, liquids, and other special items.
However, it comes with more complex customs clearance procedures. For example, Saudi mandates SABER certification for items like small appliances and toys, which may extend the overall delivery time.
Service Flexibility
Air freight supports small shipments (starting from as little as 3kg) and offers door to door services, making it ideal for small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce sellers. Sea freight relies on Less-than-Container Load (LCL) or Full-Container Load (FCL) services, requiring consolidated shipments but offering benefits such as free warehousing and insurance, which can reduce long-term costs.
Enterprises should base their logistics decisions on specific needs: for supply chain agility, air freight is the top choice; for cost-efficiency and longer lead times, sea freight is more advantageous. In addition, partnering with a professional freight forwarder can provide one-stop services including customs clearance, delivery, and regulatory compliance, helping businesses navigate Saudi's stringent logistics requirements.
Ontask Express has specialized in Saudi door to door one-stop services for 20 years. We are fully certified and ensure hassle-free customs clearance. With overseas warehouses and self-managed Chinese delivery teams based in Jeddah and Riyadh, we offer e-commerce-friendly logistics without appointment requirements. Our safe and reliable logistics solutions empower your business growth in Saudi Arabia.