Sea Freight vs Air Freight
Compare costs, timelines, and benefits of sea and air shipping for your relocation from Dubai. Make an informed decision for your international move.
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When planning an international move from Dubai, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between sea freight and air freight. Each method has distinct advantages depending on your timeline, budget, and shipment size.
At Movers Dubai, we help families and professionals relocate worldwide using both methods—and often a smart combination of both. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your move.
Sea Freight
Best for full home moves
Ideal for: Furniture, vehicles, full household relocations, budget-conscious moves
Air Freight
Best for urgent shipments
Ideal for: Essentials, electronics, urgent items, small shipments under 200kg
Detailed Comparison
Factor-by-factor breakdown to help you decide
| Factor | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
Cost Sea freight is typically 60-70% cheaper for full household moves | AED 8,000 - 25,000 (3-bedroom) | AED 25,000 - 80,000 (3-bedroom) |
Transit Time Air freight is 10x faster but significantly more expensive | 4-8 weeks | 3-7 days |
Volume Capacity Sea freight is ideal for full household relocations | Unlimited (20ft/40ft containers) | Limited by weight and space |
Best For Many customers combine both methods for optimal results | Full home moves, furniture, vehicles | Urgent items, small shipments, valuables |
Environmental Impact Sea freight produces up to 95% less CO2 per kilometer | Lower carbon footprint per kg | Higher emissions |
Flexibility Air freight offers more frequent departure options | Fixed sailing schedules | Daily flights available |
Sea Freight
Advantages
- Significantly lower cost for large shipments
- Can ship vehicles and oversized items
- Better for furniture and heavy items
- Full container = your items only (no mixing)
- Lower environmental impact
- Insurance is often cheaper
Disadvantages
- 4-8 week transit time
- Less predictable delivery dates
- May need temporary accommodation
- Multiple handling points
- Port delays possible
Air Freight
Advantages
- Delivery in 3-7 days
- Predictable arrival dates
- Less handling = lower damage risk
- Ideal for urgent relocations
- Good for high-value small items
- Better tracking visibility
Disadvantages
- 3-4x more expensive than sea
- Weight-based pricing is costly
- Size restrictions on items
- Not practical for full homes
- Higher environmental impact
When to Choose Each Method
Choose Sea Freight When...
Full Home Relocation
Moving all furniture and household items makes sea freight the only cost-effective option
Vehicle Shipping
Cars, motorcycles, and boats can only be shipped by sea (RoRo or container)
Flexible Timeline
If you have 6-10 weeks and can manage without your belongings temporarily
Budget-Conscious Move
Save 60-70% on shipping costs compared to air freight
Large Furniture
Oversized items like pianos, gym equipment, or king-size beds
Choose Air Freight When...
Urgent Relocation
Job starts immediately or corporate deadline requires quick arrival
Essential Items Only
Shipping just 10-20 boxes of personal items and clothing
High-Value Electronics
Computers, cameras, and equipment that need quick, careful handling
Seasonal Items
Need winter clothes or specific items before sea shipment arrives
Important Documents
Original documents, certificates, and irreplaceable paperwork
The Smart Approach: Combine Both Methods
Many experienced expats ship the bulk of their belongings by sea while sending essentials by air. This provides the best of both worlds.
Ship by Air (Arrives in Days)
- Clothing for first 2 months
- Electronics and laptops
- Important documents
- Children's essentials
- Medications
- Work equipment
Ship by Sea (Arrives in Weeks)
- Furniture
- Kitchen items
- Books and decorations
- Seasonal clothing
- Vehicle (if shipping)
- Bulk household items
International Moving Resources
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Shipping FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our moving services
Sea freight costs depend on volume and destination. A 20ft container (suitable for 2-3 bedroom home) costs AED 8,000-15,000 to most destinations. A 40ft container costs AED 12,000-25,000. LCL (shared container) starts from AED 3,000 for smaller shipments. Prices vary based on destination port and current fuel surcharges.
Air freight is priced per kilogram, typically AED 15-40 per kg depending on destination. A typical 100kg shipment costs AED 2,000-4,000. For larger shipments, the cost quickly exceeds sea freight. Air freight is most economical for shipments under 200kg.
Sea freight from Dubai to the UK typically takes 4-5 weeks door-to-door, including 3-4 weeks sailing time plus 1-2 weeks for customs clearance and delivery. Factor in additional time for packing and documentation at origin.
Technically yes, but it's extremely expensive (AED 50,000+) and only used for luxury/classic cars. Most vehicle shipping is done by sea, either in a container or via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service. RoRo is cheaper but your car is exposed to elements.
Basic carrier liability is included but offers minimal protection. We strongly recommend comprehensive marine cargo insurance (for sea) or transit insurance (for air). This typically costs 1-2% of declared value and covers loss, damage, and delays.
Prohibited items include: perishable food, plants, hazardous materials, flammables, compressed gases, and items illegal in the destination country. Some countries restrict electronics, medications, and alcohol. We provide a detailed prohibited items list for each destination.
Yes, both methods offer tracking. Sea freight tracking shows port-to-port movement with updates at major checkpoints. Air freight offers more frequent updates, similar to courier tracking. We provide you with tracking details and regular status updates.
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