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I was just reading a comment on here from an old discussion:-
I’m familiar with air freight for example DHL, TNT etc but have never used Container Ocean Freight.
Relevant part underlined by me.
I have noticed there are many discussions on here along similar lines.
Air freight is NOT DHL, TNT etc.
DHL/TNT etc are courier services. They generally provide a door to door type service. Smaller size deliveries (I usually work on anywhere below around 100kg) where the costs make this option viable.
Air freight is different. It is usually organized for larger shipments that are required quickly and is a port to port service and comes with all the incidentals of sea freight such as port charges, handling/document fees etc., as well as the need the transport the goods to the final destination.
There are pros and cons depending on circumstances but there is a distinction as to what they each are and the benefits they provide.
Which one is being used can also impact the relevant incoterm being used. For example, air freight may be FOB/CFR/CIF etc, whereas the most appropriate option for courier may be ex/works.