Do not solve a SKU problem with a full-container decision
An ocean plan often contains a small group of SKUs that will stock out before the next vessel arrives. Moving the entire shipment forward can add cost, disrupt supplier readiness, and create an early receiving problem for goods that were not urgent.
Instead, isolate the units that protect the launch date or the highest-risk stock position. An air top-up can bridge the gap while the main shipment stays on its planned ocean cadence.
Compare the cost of the decision, not only freight
Put the air cost beside the margin at risk, the cost of a missed launch, and any operational expense caused by bringing forward the full ocean shipment. The comparison becomes clearer when it is made against a defined number of days and units.
The air movement should have a clear stop condition: enough stock to reach the next ocean delivery, not an open-ended substitute for a stable replenishment plan.
Keep both movements on one timeline
Share the same demand date, destination, and receiving constraints across the air and ocean legs. That prevents duplicated delivery appointments and lets the warehouse plan the arrival sequence.