When you ship from Miami to Venezuela, the first decision is the method: air or ocean. Both leave Miami on Fridays and both deliver door to door in the Caracas Metropolitan Area, but they differ a lot in time and in how they’re charged. Choosing well can save you money or days of waiting. Here’s how to decide.
Quick comparison
| Air cargo | Ocean cargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Departs Miami | Friday | Friday |
| Estimated time | 3 to 4 business days | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Charged by | Greater of actual and volumetric weight (L × W × H ÷ 139) | Cubic feet (L × W × H ÷ 1728) |
| Best for | Small purchases, spare parts, urgent items | Appliances, furniture, moves, vehicles, bulky cargo |
| Delivery | Door to door in the Caracas Metropolitan Area | Door to door in the Caracas Metropolitan Area |
Times can vary with Port of Miami traffic and customs in Venezuela. For either method, your cargo must be in the warehouse at least one day before departure.
When to choose air
Air cargo is the choice when time matters. It works for:
- Small or medium online purchases.
- Spare parts you need to keep working.
- Clothing, electronics and gifts that must arrive by a date.
- Boxes that are heavy for their size.
By air you pay the greater of actual and volumetric weight. A compact, heavy box makes good use of the rate; a large, light box pays for its volume.
When to choose ocean
Ocean cargo suits bulky or heavy goods that can wait a few weeks. By sea you can ship vehicles, dry food, medicines, appliances, furniture, toys, spare parts and other products. We also handle:
- Consolidated and loose cargo (LCL).
- Exclusive containers (FCL).
- Refrigerated and frozen cargo.
- Break bulk, Ro/Ro and barge.
- Vehicles, machinery and heavy equipment.
- Dangerous goods: we’re IATA-certified agents for handling them.
By sea, weight doesn’t change the calculation: you pay by cubic feet. That’s why a refrigerator or a furniture set usually costs less by ship.
An example with the same box
A 24 × 18 × 18 inch box takes up 7,776 cubic inches:
- Air: 7,776 ÷ 139 ≈ 56 pounds of volumetric weight. If the box weighs 30 pounds, you’re charged for 56.
- Ocean: 7,776 ÷ 1728 = 4.5 cubic feet.
Multiply each result by the current rate on shipping to Venezuela and compare. Check each method’s minimum too. If the difference is large and you’re not in a hurry, the ship wins; if you need the box in days, the plane wins.
Before you measure, check our guide on how to pack boxes for shipping to Venezuela: a right-size box changes the result for both methods.
Three questions to decide
- Do you need it in less than a week? Choose air.
- Is the box large but light? Compare: air will charge by volume.
- Is it an appliance, furniture, a move or a vehicle? Choose ocean.
You can combine both
You don’t have to send everything the same way. Many customers send urgent items by air and heavy ones by sea. If your purchases reach the warehouse on different dates, each package has its own tracking number and can leave by the method you choose. You get 2 weeks of free storage to get organized, and repacking into one box at an extra cost.
If you shop on Amazon
If your purchases come from Amazon, use our Miami address as the delivery address, in the name of the person receiving in Venezuela: 8805 NW 35th Lane, Miami, FL 33172. That saves you 7% in Amazon taxes. Many stores ship in boxes bigger than needed; before choosing air, consider asking us to repack so you don’t pay for empty space. More at Amazon.
How to request your quote
When your cargo reaches the warehouse, we email you the air and ocean cost so you can choose. If you want to know before you buy, email cotizaciones@nextdaycargo.com with the measurements in inches, the weight in pounds, the description and the value. To process the shipment we need a copy of the invoice or purchase receipt.
Frequently asked questions
What days do shipments to Venezuela leave?
Both air and ocean cargo leave Miami on Fridays.
How long does each method take?
Air takes 3 to 4 business days and ocean takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I ship a vehicle?
Yes, by sea.
Do both methods include door-to-door delivery?
Yes, in the Caracas Metropolitan Area. Elsewhere, cargo goes with a domestic carrier, at a separate cost.
Talk to us
With 35 years of experience, Next Day Cargo helps you choose the right method. Message us on WhatsApp at +1 305-477-3451, call (305) 477-3451 or email cotizaciones@nextdaycargo.com or info@nextdaycargo.com. In Caracas: 0212-720-4773. You can also use our contact page.
