
If you're looking for a reliable Vietnamese shipping company that can handle your cargo from the US to Vietnam, look no further than Saigon Express.
Saigon Express offers a range of shipping services, including air freight and ocean freight, to suit your specific needs. They have a strong network of agents and partners in the US and Vietnam, ensuring that your cargo is handled with care and efficiency.
Saigon Express has a competitive pricing structure, with rates starting at around $1,500 for a 20-foot container. They also offer a range of additional services, including customs clearance and insurance, to make the shipping process as smooth as possible.
By choosing Saigon Express, you can rest assured that your cargo will be in good hands.
Shipping Options
DHL, FedEx, and Maersk are traditional express couriers that can ship to and from Vietnam, but they come with a premium price tag.
For businesses outside of Vietnam, these couriers are often the best options, but they can be expensive.

Local couriers like Nhat Tin logistics, Vinalines, and Viettel Post are also available, but they may not be as reliable as express couriers.
If you want to piece your logistics together yourself, there are many Vietnamese and overseas-based freight forwarders to choose from.
CBIP, a fourth-party logistics firm, offers a third option that combines the reliability of express couriers with more affordable prices.
They create supply chains with access to express couriers, forwarders, air and sea shipping, last-mile services, and warehousing, and match them to your business based on your specific needs.
CBIP has experience connecting supply chains through Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, and can help your business with shipping in Vietnam and beyond.
US Shipping Options
USPS is the carrier to choose if you wish to send orders from the US to Vietnam at the lowest rates.
USPS offers a flat-rate solution for heavy shipments, ensuring that rates remain the same for a particular parcel dimension, regardless of weight. However, customers often complain about delivery delays and poor parcel tracking features.
FedEx, on the other hand, can be a more expensive option, but it makes up for the premium rate by delivering packages reliably and on time.
When to Use USPS
USPS is the carrier to choose if you wish to send orders from the US to Vietnam at the lowest rates. This is especially true for heavy shipments, as USPS's flat-rate solution ensures that rates remain the same for a particular parcel dimension, regardless of weight.
One of the benefits of using USPS is that it can save you money on shipping costs. However, be aware that customers of USPS often complain about delivery delays and poor parcel tracking features.
When to Use FedEx US Shipping
FedEx US Shipping is a reliable option for shipping packages, especially when you need to ensure timely delivery.
They offer real-time tracking of shipments, so you and your customers always know where the order is.
FedEx can sometimes be more expensive, but it's worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your packages will arrive on time.
Their reliable delivery service makes them a great choice for shipping packages that need to arrive quickly.
International Shipping

International shipping to Vietnam can be a complex process, especially for businesses outside of the country.
Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and Maersk are often the best options for reliable shipping, but they come with a premium price tag.
For businesses looking for a more affordable solution, local couriers like Nhat Tin logistics, Vinalines, and Viettel Post can be a viable option, but their services can be unreliable and untested.
CBIP, a fourth-party logistics firm, offers a third option by creating customized supply chains that match businesses with local logistics providers based on their specific needs.
The international shipping process typically involves 7 steps, from transporting goods from the supplier's warehouse to the freight forwarders warehouse, to clearing customs at the destination port and delivering the goods to the final warehouse.
Shipping Destinations
Vietnam is an attractive destination for international shippers due to its "open for business" stance and numerous trade agreements.
The country has a Trade and Investment Framework agreement with the US, inked in 2007, and is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), allowing for free trade with many nations.

If you're planning to ship to Vietnam, be aware that some goods are restricted or require special checks.
Arms, munitions, and war material are strictly prohibited, as are valuable articles like coins, banknotes, and precious stones.
Other restricted items include perishable biological substances, non-Vietnamese tobacco products, and radio transmitters.
Country-specific regulations also apply to sealed tinned foodstuffs, unused postage stamps, and used clothing, blankets, mosquito nets, and shoes.
Goods of commercial value, like collectors' items and art, require extra checks by authorities, which can lead to delays.
The Ministry of Culture regulates cultural objects and media entering the country, including paintings, books, and children's toys.
International Container Process Guide
International shipping can be a complex process, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable. The first step is to transport goods from the supplier's warehouse to the freight forwarder's warehouse.
This process is crucial as it sets the stage for the entire shipping process. The freight forwarder will then move the goods from their warehouse to the departure port.

Clearing customs at the origin port is a critical step that requires careful documentation and compliance. Goods must be cleared with customs at the origin port before they can be shipped.
Once cleared, the goods are shipped from the origin port to the contracted destination port. This is where the journey of the goods becomes more complex.
The goods are then cleared with customs at the destination port, which is another crucial step in the process. Inland transportation from the destination port to the destination warehouse is the final step before delivery.
The entire process can take several weeks, so it's essential to plan ahead and track the progress of the shipment.
Sea Freight
Shipping from the US to Vietnam can be a complex process, but understanding the basics of sea freight can help you navigate it more efficiently.
The cost of sea freight can vary greatly depending on the season, with higher costs during the high season (September to March) and lower costs during the low season (April to August).
To find the cheapest sea freight rates from Vietnam, it's essential to compare rates between carriers and freight forwarders.
For small shipments below 15 CBM, Less than Container Load (LCL) is usually the better option, while for bigger shipments, Full Container Load (FCL) is preferred.
Packing your goods wisely is crucial, as excessive weight or size can lead to higher freight costs and inadequate protection for your goods.
Considering the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) shipping method, the seller is responsible for overseeing the loading, fees up to the port of arrival, and insurance of the freight.
Cost and Payment
Shipping costs can be a significant expense when sending goods from the US to Vietnam. One of the main advantages of using a Vietnamese shipping company is that their lower wages and advantageous exchange rates enable them to offer very attractive rates for a transfer solution tailored to your needs.
The cost of freight can vary greatly depending on the time of year, with higher costs during the high season (September-March) and lower costs during the low season (April-August). This is because a lot of different parameters are considered for a freight, including the prices of oil, the carrier, the filling rate of the containers, and the attendance rates of the ports.
To get the best rates, it's essential to compare prices between carriers and freight forwarders and to manage your shipments wisely to avoid unnecessary costs. For small shipments, LCL (Less than Container Load) is often the better option, while for bigger ones, FCL (Full Container Load) is preferred.
For more insights, see: Hamburg Express-class Container Ship
CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight

CIF Cost, Insurance & Freight is a shipping term where the seller takes responsibility for loading the vessel, paying fees up to the port of arrival, and insuring the freight.
This means the seller is covering all costs associated with getting the goods from their location to the buyer's location, including the cost of shipping and insurance.
The seller oversees the entire process, ensuring that the goods are safely transported and arrive at the buyer's port without any issues.
Related reading: Transportation Insurance Companies
Cost Effective
The cost of shipping from Vietnam can be a significant factor in your decision-making process.
Vietnamese freight forwarders have lower rates due to lower wages, advantageous exchange rates, and other parameters.
Shipping during the high season (September to March) will likely result in a higher cost of freight compared to the low season (April to August).
To find the cheapest sea freight rates from Vietnam, compare rates between carriers and freight forwarders.

For small shipments (below 15 CBM), Less than Container Load (LCL) is a better option, while for bigger ones, Full Container Load (FCL) is preferred.
Managing your shipments effectively can help you save costs by consolidating multiple smaller shipments into one voluminous freight.
Be mindful of the weight and size of your goods, as excessive packing can lead to higher costs and reduced protection for your items.
Information and Regulations
If you have a trading company and trading license, you can import goods into Vietnam. Once it reaches the country's borders, it's subject to stringent customs clearance standards.
To navigate the customs procedure, you'll need to submit documents such as a business registration certificate, bill of lading, commercial invoice, and import/export business code registration certificate. You can find more information on the customs procedure by visiting the country's customs department website.
To ship goods of value greater than $44 (VND 1,000,000) to Vietnam from the US, you'll need to pay value-added tax (VAT) of 10%. You'll also be liable to pay duty to the Vietnamese customs authority, which varies based on the goods being imported.
Duties & Taxes

Shipping goods to Vietnam from the US can be a bit complex, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
If you're shipping goods with a value greater than $44 (VND 1000000), you'll need to pay a 10% value added tax (VAT) on top of the customs duty.
Customs duty varies based on the type of goods you're importing, so it's essential to know the rates beforehand.
Here's a quick rundown of the customs duty rates for different types of goods:
To clear customs in Vietnam, you'll need to submit specific documents, including a business registration certificate, bill of lading, commercial invoice, and import/export business code registration certificate.
Make sure to check the country's customs department website for more information on the customs procedure.
Prohibited Items
Before shipping to Vietnam, make sure your merchandise doesn't fall under the country's list of prohibited or banned goods.
Some goods require retailers to secure additional permits from the government for importing into the country.

The list of prohibited items is extensive, and you must be aware of global and country-specific restrictions.
Certain goods, such as military equipment, are prohibited from importation into Vietnam.
Additionally, some items may require retailers to secure additional permits from the government before importing them into the country.
It's crucial to research and understand the regulations to avoid any potential issues or fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from US to Vietnam?
The cheapest way to ship from the US to Vietnam is with USPS, which offers flat-rate solutions for heavy shipments. This ensures consistent rates regardless of weight, making it a cost-effective option for international shipping.
What is the best company to use for international shipping?
For international shipping, consider Royal Mail, which offers reliable services to over 230 countries and territories worldwide. With its extensive global coverage, Royal Mail is a top choice for shipping internationally.
How much does it cost to ship a container from USA to Vietnam?
Shipping a container from the USA to Vietnam costs between $1850 and $4,500 USD. The cost varies based on container size and shipping route.
Sources
- https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/international-moving-to-vietnam/
- https://www.tmforwarding.com/en/shipping-two-way-vietnam-and-us/
- https://www.shipbob.com/shipping-from-us/to-vietnam/
- https://cbiplogistics.com/en/post/shipping-to-and-from-vietnam-easy-overview
- https://fnm-vietnam.com/sea-freight-vietnam/
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