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Hybrid Transit

Sea-Air Services

Combine the economy of ocean freight with the speed of air cargo via top global transshipment hubs.

Hybrid Sea-Air Logistics

Sea-Air shipping is a hybrid logistics model designed to bridge the gap between slow ocean freight and expensive air cargo. Cargo is loaded into ocean containers at origin and shipped to a gateway transshipment hub.

At the transit hub, containers are cleared under customs transit bonds, destuffed, and repacked into Unit Load Devices (ULD air pallets) to be flown to the final destination.

Core Sea-Air Transshipment Hubs & Routes

We coordinate cargo transfers through major global airport-seaport transit corridors:

Transit Hub Ocean Leg Air Leg Avg. Combined Transit
Dubai (Jebel Ali / DXB) India/Asia to Jebel Ali Port DXB Airport to Europe / Americas 13 - 17 Days
Singapore (PSA / Changi) India/Vietnam to Singapore Port Changi to USA / Oceania 12 - 15 Days
Colombo (SLPA / CMB) Bangladesh/India to Colombo Port CMB Airport to Europe / Middle East 8 - 11 Days

ULD Staging & Air Transshipment mechanics

Maintaining rapid transit speed during the ocean-to-air transfer requires specialized airport cargo terminal procedures:

  • Cross-Docking under Bond: Containers are transferred from the seaport straight to the airport free-zone terminal under customs transit bonds, bypassing domestic duties.
  • ULD Staging: Cargo is unpacked, checked for weight restrictions, and built onto Unit Load Device (ULD) air pallets or contoured containers.
  • Airline Load Release: Pre-cleared cargo manifest profiles are sent ahead to airlines to ensure immediate loading onto flights.

Sea-Air FAQ

What is a Unit Load Device (ULD)?
A ULD is a specialized aluminum pallet or container used to bundle air cargo together so it can be safely locked inside passenger and freighter aircraft cargo bays.
How does Sea-Air cargo clear customs at the transit hub?
The cargo does not enter the commercial market of the transit country. It is moved between the seaport and the airport inside a customs-bonded truck under a transit manifest, bypassing import duties.
Is Sea-Air shipping suitable for hazardous cargo?
It is highly restricted. While ocean shipping allows many hazardous materials, air shipping rules (IATA DGR regulations) are extremely strict. Cargo must be compliant with airline regulations.

Planning a Sea-Air Shipment?

Book space on our weekly hybrid routes and cut your air freight bills by up to 40%.

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