What is the cheapest shipping method from belly cargo on passenger flights?
Expert Answer
The cheapest shipping method depends on your cargo size and urgency. For belly cargo on passenger flights: Small packages under 2kg—China Post/ePacket ($2-5/kg, 15-30 days). Medium shipments 10-100kg—air freight LCL ($4-8/kg, 5-10 days). Large shipments 100kg-15CBM—sea freight LCL ($30-80/CBM, 20-35 days). Full containers 15+ CBM—FCL sea freight ($1,200-4,500/container, 14-35 days). Express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) for urgent samples: $20-50/kg, 3-5 days. For maximum savings: use consolidated shipping (combine multiple supplier orders), book during off-peak season (Jan-Mar), negotiate annual contracts with freight forwarders (10-20% savings), and avoid express shipping for non-urgent goods. Rail freight China-Europe: $0.50-1.50/kg, 18-25 days—good middle ground between air and sea.
Key Insight
The cheapest shipping method depends on your cargo size and urgency.
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