After you’ve finished printing and packing your board game, the next big question you need to answer is: How should it get to your warehouse, fulfillment center or distributor?
For most game creators manufacturing outside the United States, particularly in China, there are two main options for shipping: air freight and ocean freight. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your budget, timeline and strategy.
Below, we’ve covered the pros and cons of air and ocean freight for board games to help you decide which method makes the most sense for shipping your game.
Ocean Freight for Board Games
Ocean freight is the most common form of shipping for board games. This involves shipping goods by sea in large containers. Board games are typically loaded into pallets and then into these containers for transport across the ocean.
Transporting your game via ocean freight offers great value for money, making it the default option for almost all games.
Pros of Ocean Freight
- Lower cost per unit. Ocean freight is far more affordable than air freight, especially for large shipments. If you’re shipping full pallets or container loads, the cost savings lower your expenses and can make your game more profitable.
- High capacity. Ocean containers can store thousands of copies of your game. If you’re fulfilling a large Kickstarter campaign or delivering inventory to multiple regions, ocean freight gives you space at very reasonable costs.
- Environmentally friendly. Shipping by sea has a lower carbon footprint compared to air freight. If you’re conscious about sustainability, shipping via sea is generally the greener choice.
Cons of Ocean Freight
- Long transit times. Transit from China to the U.S. or Europe typically takes four to six weeks from port-to-port, and delays are not uncommon. You’ll need to plan your shipping timeline carefully to avoid missing out on important sales periods.
- Port and customs complexity. Ocean shipments go through more complex customs procedures and require coordination with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and the destination port. However, this can be simplified with the right logistics partner.
- Minimum volume for cost efficiency. If you’re only shipping a small number of units, ocean freight may not be cost-effective. This can be mitigated by working with a freight forwarder to ship your game as efficiently as possible.
Air Freight for Board Games
Air freight involves shipping your game as cargo via a commercial or cargo airplane. Since the majority of games take up a significant amount of space, are light, and don’t cost much relative to their size, air freight isn’t a common choice for board games.
Pros of Air Freight
- Fast transit times. This is the biggest advantage of air freight. Air freight is extremely fast, with freight to China taking three to seven days. If you have a looming deadline or need urgent inventory for a convention, air freight is worth considering.
- Reliable scheduling. Air freight offers reliable schedules, as airlines move quickly and are less affected by port congestion and weather delays. This predictability can be very helpful if you’re under pressure to transport your games on short notice.
- Easier logistics for small shipments. For small or medium-sized print runs, air freight can simplify logistics. However, this comes at a significant financial cost (discussed more below).
Cons of Air Freight
- Significantly higher costs. Air freight is typically 4 to 10 times more expensive than sea freight. Since costs are calculated based on weight or volume, even light games can cost a lot to transport if they have large packaging.
- Limited capacity. Because of the high cost of air freight, it’s really only viable for small shipments. If you’re a publisher, you can use air freight to send early copies to reviewers or to urgently restock. However, its high costs make it unviable for mass deliveries.
- Environmental impact. Air freight has a significantly higher carbon footprint compared to ocean shipping. Yes, your games will arrive at their destination faster, but this comes with a significant increase in their environmental impact.
Hybrid Freight Strategy for Board Games
Most of the time, ocean freight will be the most effective option for your business. However, in some cases, using a hybrid approach that combines ocean and air freight can help you to get the best combination of value and flexibility:
- Use ocean freight for the bulk of their inventory.
- Use air freight for urgent needs (e.g., sending a few cases ahead of a launch or event, such as a convention)
Contact Us About Shipping Options for Your Game
Ocean freight and air freight both offer advantages and disadvantages. Due to the low costs of ocean freight and the large size of most board games relative to their cost, shipping via sea will usually be the most cost-effective and convenient option for your board game business.
At Hero Time, we work closely with you as a board game creator to help you optimize shipping plans based on your budget, your schedule, and your goals. Our team can help you understand the best shipping options for your game and get optimal value for money from your logistics.
Have questions about shipping your game from China or our upcoming US assembly center in New Jersey? Contact us and we’ll discuss your shipping options with you and help you identify the most cost-effective way to ship your game.
