Short answer
Compare chargeable volume or weight and the full service scope. VSPEED LCL starts at 0.5 CBM, with dense cargo assessed at 1 CBM = 500kg; FCL is quoted per container. Air and courier compare actual with volumetric weight. Confirm the channel’s divisor, minimum charges, tax and delivery before comparing totals.
For importers sourcing from China who want to understand what drives the freight quote.
Published by VSPEED · Updated
| Factor | Sea freight (LCL/FCL) | Air freight |
|---|---|---|
| Charged by | Chargeable CBM including dense-cargo rule (LCL), or per container (FCL) | Chargeable weight (actual or volumetric) |
| Speed | Usually 8–14 days door to door, including clearance and delivery | Usually 2–4 working days for air transit; confirm onward timing |
| Suits | Bulk, heavy or non-urgent cargo | Urgent, high-value or light cargo |
Actual, half and full volumetric billing
Actual-weight billing uses scale weight. Full volumetric billing compares actual and volumetric weight and uses the greater amount. Where a quotation explicitly offers half-volumetric billing, confirm whether its formula is (actual weight + volumetric weight) ÷ 2 and how minimums and rounding apply. These are channel-specific quotation terms, not interchangeable rules for every sea, air or courier service.
How each mode is priced
For LCL, compare actual CBM with weight divided by 500kg and use the greater volume, subject to the 0.5 CBM minimum. FCL is quoted per container and does not need to be full to be worth comparing. Air and courier use chargeable weight. Packaging and destination handling can change which option is suitable.
Volumetric weight — why light cargo can cost more
This site’s estimator uses length × width × height in centimetres ÷6000 for air and ÷5000 for courier. Multiply by the carton quantity, then compare with actual weight. A carrier may apply its own divisor, rounding and minimum charge, so confirm the selected channel before booking.
Check what the quote includes
Duty and tax depend on the product, HS code and origin. A quote may include a DDP arrangement or show tax separately. Ask the team to identify collection, freight, clearance, duty, tax, storage and delivery in the quote so that competing totals cover the same work. Customs determines the final tax assessment.
FAQ
Is sea or air freight cheaper from China to Malaysia?
Sea freight is worth comparing for larger or heavier loads; air may suit urgent replenishment. The useful comparison is the total cost for your dimensions, weight, deadline and delivery address.
How do I calculate volumetric weight?
This site’s estimator uses length × width × height in centimetres ÷6000 for air and ÷5000 for courier. Multiply by the carton quantity, then compare with actual weight. A carrier may apply its own divisor, rounding and minimum charge, so confirm the selected channel before booking.
Does the freight quote include import tax?
Duty and tax depend on the product, HS code and origin. A quote may include a DDP arrangement or show tax separately. Ask the team to identify collection, freight, clearance, duty, tax, storage and delivery in the quote so that competing totals cover the same work. Customs determines the final tax assessment.
What is the minimum for sea LCL?
VSPEED accepts LCL from 0.5 CBM. Charges consider actual volume and weight-equivalent volume at 1 CBM = 500kg, using the greater figure. Send dimensions, weight and quantity for a comparison with air or courier.