If you’re a small business owner in Nigeria, Ghana, the UK, the USA, or any part of the world, who buys from platforms like 1688, Pinduoduo, or even directly from Chinese factories, you’ve probably asked this question: Should I ship my goods by air or by sea?
Let’s not sugarcoat it, sea shipping can be a game-changer for your business when done right. Especially if you deal with bulk goods, want to cut costs, or you’re not under pressure for fast delivery.
But nobody is going to teach you how to take advantage of sea shipping, there is no time for that. This is also not limited to sea shipping, there is a format to profit more with air shipping than sea shipping.
Take a look at the luggage above, if you are to ship through sea from China to Nigeria, you are likely going to spend more money than air. It all depends.
The biggest of this luggage could weigh up to 0.25cbm and 8KG. You may find out later that shipping 8 kg by air saves cost than 0.25cbm luggage by sea.
Working around dimensions and CBM is technical.
52*60*45 = 0.14cbm
52*67*50 = 0.17cbm
52*64*70 = 0.24cbm
52*67*100 = 0.35cbm
Any slight change in a dimension drastically affects the result. That is the level of its technicality.
For the luggage above, it would be better to ship by sea if the total weight is less than 8KG and if the dimension of the luggage is more than 0.07 cbm.
The best advantage of shipping luggage by air is by turning it into actual luggage. This means packing items into the luggage and filling it to the brim. So, you are no longer shipping empty luggage.
You have to be mindful of the type of items you pack into the luggage to avoid taking much space with few items. Clothing works great, shoes will take much space, plastics will take much space, and face sheets are good options too.
Why Choose Sea Shipping Over Air? #
-
Lower Cost for Large or Heavy Items #
If your goods are big, bulky, or plenty, sea shipping is the real plug. Air freight charges by weight (kg), and sea shipping charges by volume (CBM) can make a HUGE difference in savings.
Example:
-
A ₦100k item that costs ₦150k to ship by air may cost just ₦30k by sea.
-
-
Perfect for Non-Urgent Orders #
Sea shipping takes time (about 45–90 days from China), so it’s ideal if you’re restocking or planning. It’s not for last-minute shoppers.
-
Safe Consolidation #
We will store your goods, help <strong “>repack them, and consolidate them with other items to reduce your CBM — so you pay less. Packing and removal of excess cartons is FREE.
-
Support for All Types of Products #
We handle:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Industrial items
As long as it’s not banned in Nigeria, we can ship it.
How Sea Shipping Works with FastForth #
- You buy from 1688 or Pinduoduo or your Chinese suppliers or factories
- Your supplier or factory sends the goods to our warehouse in China
- We receive, weigh, check & consolidate your items
- You get updated tracking as the container moves:
-
- Ready for shipment
- Booked for loading
- Loaded
- Mainland customs inspection
- Ocean transit – Shipped
- Nigeria customs clearance
- Awaiting payment
- Delivered!
- Pay when it arrives Nigeria. No stories. We even help with customs clearing!
What Is CBM #
CBM means Cubic Metre — it’s how space is measured for sea shipping.
If you’re not sure of your CBM, don’t worry. After your goods arrive and we consolidate them, we’ll measure your total CBM and update it in your tracking dashboard.
We do not only shipped to Lagos, Nigeria; We ship nationwide. Whether you’re in Abuja, PH, Kano, Aba, Onitsha, Benin or Jos, we’ll get your cargo to you.
| Factor | Sea Shipping | Air Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ Very Affordable | ❌ Expensive for bulk |
| Delivery Time | ❌ 45–90 Days | ✅ 5–10 Days (Normal) |
| Ideal For | ✅ Bulk & heavy goods | ✅ Urgent small items |
| Risk Level | ✅ Low if properly packed | ✅ Low (but strict on banned items) |
| Restrictions | ✅ Fewer | ❌ Batteries, perfumes (sensitive) |
If your goal is to save cost, scale smartly, and plan, sea shipping is a powerful tool. You don’t have to break the bank or chase expensive air cargo every time.
Let FastForth take care of your sea shipping — we’ll handle the consolidation, customs, packing, and updates while you focus on growing your business.
Ready to ship smart?
Visit our website to get started or chat with our agent now.
