Comparison
Air Cargo vs Road Cargo: Which Is Right for You?
Compare air cargo and road cargo in terms of cost, speed, capacity, and safety.
Option A
Air Cargo
Ideal for urgent and valuable loads requiring fast delivery. Delivery within 1-3 days.
Option B
Road Cargo
An economical solution for large loads. The most preferred method on the Turkey-Europe route.
Detailed Comparison Table
Review both options criterion by criterion.
| Criterion | Air Cargo | Road Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (3-5x road cargo) | Economical (pay per m3) |
| Delivery Time | 1-3 days | 7-14 days |
| Maximum Weight | Limited (usually up to 500 kg) | Up to 24,000 kg (TIR) |
| Volume Capacity | Limited (2-5 m3) | Up to 80 m3 (TIR) |
| Security | Very high (strict controls) | High (insured transport) |
| Customs Procedures | Fast (airport customs) | Standard (border customs) |
| Environmental Impact | High carbon footprint | Low carbon footprint |
| Price Range | 8-15 EUR/kg | 120-180 EUR/m3 |
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When to Choose Which?
Air Cargo
Choose air cargo for urgent documents, samples, or high-value small items. Air cargo is the most sensible option especially for shipments under 50 kg and time-critical deliveries.
Road Cargo
Road cargo is much more economical for furniture, household goods, pallet loads, or large commercial goods. At Kolay Parsiyel, we provide road cargo services with regular weekly departures on the Turkey-Europe route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more expensive is air cargo than road cargo?
Air cargo is generally 3-5 times more expensive than road cargo. For example, shipping 100 kg from Turkey to Germany costs 800-1,500 EUR by air and about 200-400 EUR by road. The difference becomes more significant as the weight and volume of the cargo increase.
Can all types of goods be shipped by road cargo?
Furniture, white goods, electronics, textiles, industrial materials, and personal belongings can all be shipped by road cargo. However, flammable, explosive, and prohibited materials are excluded. Refrigerated vehicle options are available for food products.
Is there a fast option for road cargo for urgent shipments?
Yes, express road cargo service is available. With Kolay Parsiyel express delivery, shipments from Turkey to Europe can be delivered in 3-5 business days. A dedicated van or small truck is allocated with direct delivery without transfers.
What are the volume and weight limits for air cargo?
Standard air cargo generally has a limit of 150 kg and 2 m3 per piece. Total shipments up to 500-1,000 kg may be accepted depending on the airline. Charter aircraft are available for larger loads, but costs are very high.
Which transport method is most preferred from Turkey to Europe?
More than 85% of shipments from Turkey to Europe are transported by road. The main reasons are cost advantage and high volume capacity. Air cargo accounts for only 5-8% of total shipments and is generally used for urgent or high-value products.
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Let Us Find the Best Solution for You
Share the details of your cargo and our expert team will recommend the best shipping method for you.