In today’s guide, you will understand the required documents, multiple shipping options, and related costs to ship your products from Vietnam to the U.S.A.
We have also explained booking steps, government duties, and the major ports of both countries to make things easier for you. Let’s understand everything in detail!
Basics of Transportation From Vietnam to the US
Are you a big ecommerce business or an individual who wants reliable shipping from Vietnam to the United States? Then you should definitely understand all the essential details of this trading path.
You can ship almost anything from Vietnam to America if you properly follow the methods given below.
Methods to Ship From Vietnam to the USA
When deciding to ship from Vietnam to the United States, you will get three common options to choose from. Each option has its benefits and limitations that you must consider. Moreover, these depend on different elements such as size, weight, shipping cost, urgency factor, and type of product.
Below are the common shipping ways mostly used for shipping:
- Air Freight
- Sea or ocean Freight (FCL, LCL)
- Courier Services
- Postal Services
Air Shipment From Vietnam to Your US Location
If you want fast shipment services from Vietnam to America, air freight is one of the most preferable choices. It would require only a few days to ship your product to the destination instead of weeks and months. It requires around 3 to 8 days to ship from port to port and 8 to 16 days to ship from door to door.
As compared to sea freight, air freight is ideal for perishable products that need urgent delivery. Not only that but also this option is a safe method that requires minimum maintenance.
Thus, air freight is a bit more costly than ocean freight. However, the choice between these two modes depends on the shipment’s size, weight, and the urgency of its delivery. Major international airports like Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are the major hubs for air freight.
Ocean Freight From Vietnam to the US
For large quantities and non-urgent shipments, sea freight is the most economical but time-consuming option. This cheaper mode of shipment is divided into two choices such as LCL and FCL. Again, it depends on the size of your package. This mode of shipment requires 24 to 29 days to ship from port to port and 37 to 41 days for door-to-door.
FCL Shipping Mode
FCL or Full Container Load is the cheaper and faster choice than the LCL method. A full load container means your shipment is filled in the shipping container of 20 feet or 40 feet. Due to fast transit time and lower damage rate, FCL is preferable for high-volume sea shipments. As this shipping method offers flat rates, you can save both your time and money.
LCL Shipping Mode
On the other hand, Less than Container Load is also an economical shipping method. LCL means your shipment is not occupying the whole container of 40 feet. As this shipping method is good for smaller packages, this requires more time than FCL. This is because it involves a consolidation process.
Courier From Vietnam to America
If you’ve small to medium-sized packages to ship from Vietnam to the United States, courier services are highly recommended. This mode of transport takes only 3 to 8 days for shipment of your package but at a higher cost. That’s why this is the ideal choice for urgent deliveries from Vietnam to your US destination.
Not only that but the courier method is also preferable if you want door-to-door services for your added convenience. The most common courier services in Vietnam are FedEx, DHL, UPS, and TNT which offer fast door-to-door delivery options. These companies offer services such as handling customs clearance, documentation, and tracking services.
Postal Services From Vietnam to America
If you’re looking for shipping services for smaller-sized packages, postal services are the best to choose. Vietnam Post is the most famous and cost-effective postal option in Vietnam for international shipping.
As this is a cheaper shipping option in Vietnam, the postal service is a slower and more time-consuming choice than the courier service. Usually, this kind of shipping method is preferable for shipping smaller items such as documents, gifts, and less time-sensitive items.
Shipping Cost From Vietnam to the US
When it comes to shipment costs from Vietnam to the United States, it varies based on different elements. They include the mode of transportation, handling requirements, shipment dimensions, destination port, fuel charges, and market trends.
Air Freight Cost
The estimated shipping cost from Vietnam to America measured in kilograms is quite expensive. But sometimes weight is measured by the volume of the package. They can vary as per the fuel price, demand, and shipping company.
Here is a rough idea of shipment cost with weight and time:
| Weight (kg) | Rate (USD/KG) | Transit Time (days) |
| +100 kg | $ 1.56 | 3-8 |
| +300 kg | $ 1.29 | 3-8 |
| +500 kg | $ 1.26 | 3-8 |
| +1000 kg | $ 1.11 | 3-8 |
Marine Shipping Cost
Let’s now talk about the shipping price of ocean freight. Well, we can calculate it by taking into account the weight and volume of your delivery parcel. Though this is a cheap option, it takes a longer period to ship your package from Vietnam to any American state. Thus, the cost of the sea freight also varies according to the container weight, size, and destination route.
- LCL Shipping Rates: LCL shipping mode is preferred when your shipment is consolidated with other parcels and the container is not fully occupied. General rates for LCL are $30 to $70 per cubic meter. It also includes additional charges of custom clearance, terminal handling, port, delivery, and warehouse fees.
- FCL Shipping Rates: For larger package shipments, FCL is the most budget-friendly choice. Typical rates for FCL are $2500 to $3500 for a 20-foot container and $4000 to $6000 for a 40-foot container. The additional charges for FCL include port fees, customs duties, and taxes, handling charges, fuel surcharges, and inland delivery charges.
Courier/Express Cost
For smaller packages, courier services are the best options having the rates of:
- Small packages (up to 5 kg): $40 to $80.
- Medium packages (up to 20 kg): $100 to $250.
- Large packages (over 20 kg): $300 to $600.
Post Service Cost
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice for shipping from Vietnam to the USA, the postal service is ideal with the shipping rates of:
- Small parcels (up to 2 kg): $20 to $30.
- Medium parcels (2 to 5 kg): $40 to $70.
- Large parcels (5 to 10 kg): $70 to $120.
Delivery Time From Vietnam to American Cities
On the other hand, the shipment time or transit time is also impacted by multiple factors such as specific location of shipment, size of the parcel, and seasonal factors. Also, the shipment time is determined by the mode of shipment you choose for shipping from Vietnam to the USA.
As we discussed earlier, shipping by air is faster than by ocean. It only requires 3 to 8 days to ship your products through air freight. Alternatively, shipment through the ocean requires 24 to 41 days based on your order type and location.
Here is the estimated shipment time from Vietnam to your desired US location:
| Shipment Mode | Time |
| Air Freight
Sea Freight (FCL) Sea Freight (LCL) Courier Service Post Service |
3-7 days
20-30 days 25-40 days 2-5 days 10-20 days |
Things To Consider While Shipping From Vietnam To USA
The following are key factors to keep in mind while shipping from Vietnam to America:
Shipment Dimensions
You should choose a courier service if your shipment is small. Moreover, the LCL shipping method is also suitable for smaller quantities and packages. On the other hand, if you want to move bulk shipments, FCL is the best option for you.
Shipment Cost
When we talk about air freight, it is usually more expensive than ocean freight. The reason is the higher cost of fuel. However, if you need your package urgently, you have to pay for it.
Weather Condition
Severe weather conditions can delay your shipment to reach the final destination. Not all, but some shipping routes are affected by storms and hurricanes. Therefore, it is necessary to check the weather conditions of the cargo channels for the upcoming days. After that, choose alternative paths to avoid disruptions.
Best Time to Ship From Vietnam to the USA
You should avoid shipping during late spring and early fall. These are the busiest months in Vietnam due to the Typhoon season from June to November. Additionally, you should also consider the peak months in the USA to avoid delays. These months include the holidays such as November to December.
Steps to Ship Goods From Vietnam to the United States
- First of all, choose the best shipping method according to your budget, weight, size, and type of parcel. It includes sea freight, air freight, postal service, and courier service.
- After that, select a reliable freight forwarder who is an expert in this field. It includes FedEx, DHL, and Vietnam Post.
- Now contact your freight forwarder for the quote. You have to provide all the information related to the shipment. These are package dimensions, the product type, shipping method, and address in the USA.
- It’s time to pack your parcel securely and label it.
- In the next step, you will be required to complete your essential documentation. These include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificates of origin. This paperwork is essential for customs clearance.
- Then you’ve to book your shipment by confirming with your freight forwarder. For this, you will be asked to agree to the terms & conditions and pay for any pending fees.
- You can ask for the tracking details to monitor the status of your order.
- Once your order arrives in the USA, clear the customs there. You have to pay import duties and other taxes.
- After that, your package is in your hands. If you want door-to-door delivery, the customs brokers will handle the customs. You don’t need to worry about it.
Required Documents
Below is the list of required documents needed for customs approval:
- A certificate of origin
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- A bill of lading you should have for sea freight or an Airway Bill for air shipping
- A letter of credit or other payment terms
In addition to these, you must verify the HS (Harmonized System) code. This will assist in identifying and categorizing imports and exports.
Applied Duties & Taxes
After entering the goods into the US, you must pay tariffs to get them to your location. These duties are assessed and collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The following taxes apply to products imported in the United States:
- Customs Duties are applied to the products imported into the USA. These account for around $800.
- Excise Taxes are imposed to excise goods such as liquors and tobacco.
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is applied to all formal and informal entries.
- A Harbour Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a service cost for all sea freights.
Duties Threshold and Exemption
In the United States, all the products shipped with a value of $800 are exempted from duties. This is known as the “de minimis” threshold. According to this, if your order is less than $800, you won’t have to pay any import fees or taxes. However, if your order is more than this amount, all the taxes and duties will be applied to it.
It will be applied according to the kind of goods you’re bringing to the USA. It will save you money on small packages, and high-cost parcels are properly taxed.
Major Ports in Vietnam For Shipping Operations
We recommend you should explore the below list for shipping seaports to export goods from your Vietnam cities.
- Da Nang Seaport (Central Vietnam)
- Port of Ho Chi Minh (South Vietnam)
- Hai Phong Port (Northern Vietnam)
- Quy Nhon Harbour (Central Vietnam)
Moreover, some smaller ports are also available for shipping. These include Cai Lan, Hanoi, Quy Nhon, Binh Duong Port, Tan Cang, and Vung Tau Port.
Major Seaports in the USA For Shipping Operations
Following is the list of the major shipping ports in the USA. You can choose one of them as your destination according to the shipping route. Some of the ports are situated along the east coast of the country. These are:
- Port of New York
- New Orleans Port
- Savannah Port
- Mobile Port
- Port of Philadelphia
- Houston Port
- Port of Norfolk
Plus, a few of the ports are located next to the west coast such as:
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of Oakland
- Port of Seattle
You Can Ship 6 Types of Products From Vietnam to the USA
Vietnam and the United States have a very broad range of goods that they import and export with one another. For example, you have the liberty to send items of multiple industries such as electronics, textiles, general consumer goods, machinery, pharmaceuticals and children’s toys. Following are details of goods which you’re allowed to ship from Vietnam to the USA:
Cosmetics
Vietnam is also the world’s leading hub for manufacturing high-quality cosmetics. That’s why the country has become a big trading area for cosmetics exports.
Toys
If we talk about the past so many years, Vietnam is continuously manufacturing amazing toys. For this reason, it has become an international hub of toys for other countries to import.
That means, you can easily depend on exporting & importing your toys between these 2 countries. But wait, before doing this you need to understand the basic regulations, standards, and industry norms. For this, you have the option to work with professional experts for the sake of ensuring smooth cargo shipments and transactions.
Electronics
Vietnam is a significant trading economy that allows efficient trading of products. Therefore, the export of electronics from Vietnam to the United States is growing rapidly.
Car Battery
Due to the high demand for lithium-ion batteries, the car market is rapidly growing for trade. The trade of these things between the US & Vietnam is majorly affected by the rapid development of electrical car batteries. Their shipment requires additional care and consideration to avoid damage.
Super Cars
The supercar market for importing and exporting between these two economies is also booming so fast. So, no doubt this route is just suitable for transporting supercars due to the strong logistical skills of Vietnam. Plus, there is a huge demand for luxury automobiles in the United States.
Beverages and Food Products
You will be surprised to know Vietnam is also regarded as a prominent hub for the trade of many beverages and food related goods. Its strategic position and close commercial ties with the United States make it a popular option for businesses.
Prohibited Items for Shipping from Vietnam to the US
In the United States, there is a list published that includes the products prohibited for import. However, if you read the list carefully, you will get to know that some banned products can be shipped. The condition is that they should meet all the regulations and be properly licensed.
The list of prohibited items from Vietnam to the USA is given below:
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Cultural Properties and Artifacts
- Wildlife and Fish
- Firearms
- Different Plants and their seeds
- Food Products (Both in raw and cooked forms)
- Hazardous Materials
- Certain Chemicals
Navigate Challenges While Shipping From Vietnam to the US
You have to face various challenges while shipping from Vietnam to the USA. These might be regulatory requirements, global market fluctuations, or geopolitical events. Therefore, it is essential to navigate all these hurdles for those involved in international trading.
Here is an overview of the challenges:
- Regulatory Compliances: These involve customs regulations and import restrictions that lead to delays and fines on your shipment.
- Logistics and Transportation Issues: These include port congestions, adverse weather conditions, or unexpected customs inspections.
- Packaging and Labeling Challenges: Improper packaging and labeling can cause product damage or loss during shipment. It might result in additional costs.
- Cost Management: These challenges can cause a rise in shipping costs and additional hidden fees. You can discuss this with your freight forwarder for further information.
- Geopolitical Factors: The variations in policies and international relations can result in increased shipping costs and taxes. That’s why you must be aware of these changes before shipping goods.
Tips for Keeping Down Costs and Shipping Time
You can reduce the cost & shipping time with careful and strategic planning. The following are the tips given by our experts to speed up the process in an economical way.
- You should choose the right shipping method that will be both cost-effective and fast. For example, air freight is expensive, and sea freight is time-consuming. But, FCL, LCL, and bulk shipping are affordable options for shipment.
- Try to ship your products in off-peak seasons. This will avoid delays, returns, disturbance, and additional fees.
- Use lightweight packaging that will help in reducing weight and shipment costs. But remember to use durable packaging for your parcel.
- You must work with experienced freight forwarders for better shipping rates and fast transit time.
- Don’t rely on a single quote and look for multiple quotes to get the best deals and services.
By considering all these points, you can ensure a smooth and safe shipping journey.
Benefits of Shipping From Vietnam to the USA
Shipping your goods from Vietnam to the US offers numerous advantages. The most significant include cost-effective and efficient logistics solutions. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:
Quality Manufacturing
Vietnam is popular for manufacturing high-quality products with modern requirements. Electronics, clothes, toys, and furniture are common products produced in the country. Their quality control measures ensure that the product meets international standards.
Strategic Location
As Vietnam is situated in South Asia, it is an ideal location to export goods to the US. It is located near important maritime routes, making it an ideal export hub to America. These include Vietnam Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.
Diverse Export Portfolio
Vietnam manufactures and exports a huge variety of products to the United States. These products include high-tech equipment to daily use accessories. They are made according to the current market demand. In this way, the country offers numerous commercial opportunities for growth.
Sustainable Growth Potential
Vietnam is a reliable as well growing partner for long-term trading with the US. It is due to its strong economy and continuous investments in technology and transportation. This makes it convenient for companies to enter the US market.
