A new sea-air-land multimodal logistics model is gaining traction in China, offering a powerful combination of speed, cost efficiency, and last-mile flexibility for transporting high-value goods and expanding international freight channels.
Traditionally, air cargo has been used for time-sensitive products such as fresh seafood and electronics. However, high costs and limited flexibility often restrict single-mode transport. The emerging integrated model, which synchronizes air, sea, and road transport, is now meeting a broader range of market needs. Operations at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Zhejiang Province exemplify this efficient approach.
At around 19:00, a chartered freighter carrying 13 tonnes of live swimming crabs, a regional specialty, landed at Ningbo. Some of the crabs were immediately dispatched to local markets, while others were transported via “truck flights” to cities including Shanghai and Hangzhou. These road-based “virtual flights” are prized for their speed and adaptability, ensuring rapid delivery of perishable or high-value cargo.
“These are usually high-value-added goods such as electronic components, fresh products, and spare parts. Compared with traditional cargo, they require higher timeliness and stronger safety guarantees,” said Lu Jiawei, a truck-flight driver involved in the operations.
China’s cargo aviation sector continues to grow rapidly. Civil aviation data shows an average of 1,767 cargo flights per week this year, a 15.7 percent increase over 2024. By the end of November, the country had 13 dedicated cargo airlines operating 288 freighters, 20 more than last year, reflecting strengthened air transport capacity.
The sea-air-land multimodal model represents a step forward in China’s logistics innovation, offering businesses a versatile solution to transport high-value goods efficiently across domestic and international markets.
