Shipping from Vietnam to USA

Vietnam is a fast-growing economy in Asia. The country has a great location with a large workforce and a long coastline, making it a perfect place for business. Vietnam has good trade relations with the US, and it’s the 13th largest trade partner the US has. The US mostly imports woven and knit apparel, bedding, electrical machinery, furniture, and footwear from Vietnam.

Regardless of your chosen method, the shipping process is still complex, with processes like document preparation, warehousing, cargo insurance, customs clearance, and many more. The growth in international trade agreements has also developed the logistics industry, and you should choose Luckystar logistics as your freight forwarder.

We are an experienced freight forwarder, and we offer worldwide cost-effective logistic solutions that include shipping from Vietnam to US. We have flexible space support and a vast network of agents, and you can be assured of complete line service.

We aim to integrate the supply chain and support you in growing your industry. Luckystar goes beyond its expectation and offers you value and satisfaction in shipping.

Luckystar services for shipping from Vietnam to US

You can choose either of the following ways to transport from Vietnam to the US:

Door to door

Want to receive your goods worry-freely at your doorstep?

Then you must try door-to-door shipping with little thinking of transportation and customs clearance. Door-to-door shipping is a convenient service offered by freight forwarding companies. The forwarders do all the required paperwork and prepare it to be transported to the destination country.

If you want to receive goods directly at your address, you can choose an international door-to-door shipping service. We (Luckystar) will deliver your goods directly to your home or warehouse address.

The benefits of this method are that we provide you with storage, consolidation, and inland cargo transport. Also, you get all the export and import documentation, and we secure and provide safety until your transport goods arrive.

Transport of dangerous goods

Luckystar is good at doing the transport of dangerous goods. Especially ISO TANK. We have a 20tk container you can lease, and we have a truck to load cargo at your door and move it to the final destination.

Sea freight shipping from Vietnam to the US

Sea freight shipping is an excellent service Luckystar provides. You can choose this method of shipment because you can ship almost any goods you need, and the shipping cost is relatively low.

Furthermore, Luckystar has established a credible system for shipping from Vietnam to the US for a full container load and any other option you need. Our sea freight container load accommodates various goods and even sensitive ones, which we take care of to ensure safe shipping.

Also, with our sea freight cost, you can save more money. Our support services are excellent for customs clearance for shipping from Vietnam. This means our overall quotation and shipping costs will be much lower than other companies.

Essentially, our air freight forwarder services are faster compared to sea and ocean freight. However, if time isn’t a priority, you can use our sea freight for a full container load.

Air freight shipping from Vietnam to the US

Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from Vietnam to the US. We recommend this method when your cargo doesn’t exceed 200kg or is less than 2CBM. Also, it’s the go-to choice when shipping perishable goods like flowers, pharmaceuticals, food, or valuables like silver or gold.

Air freight shipping can either be economic or express freight. Economic air freight is for lightweight, non-dangerous items that don’t need temperature control. Typically, your goods arrive in 7-15 business days for door-to-door delivery and 4-7 business days for port-to-port.

Express air freight shipping is for fast deliveries that need less transit time. It takes at most three days for your delivery to arrive when using direct flight service. However, it comes with higher freight rates.

Benefits of Air freight

The following are some benefits of choosing air freight:

• Compared to ocean freight, it’s a fast option for items that need quick transport
• The departure and arrival times of flights are accurate hence reliable delivery timing for your products
• Live tracking mechanism for your cargo
• It requires less inventory and warehousing compared to sea shipping
• As opposed to sea shipping, air shipments need less packaging
• Your goods have high-level of security and low theft or danger exposure, unlike shipping freight
• Low insurance premiums are needed; hence you can save money through an air freight forwarder
• Air freight covers an extensive international network, unlike shipping ports

Warehouse

You will need a warehouse to keep your goods for shipping from Vietnam, and Luckystar logistics provides you with that. Our warehousing services are tailored to meet your specific business needs.

This service encompasses more than keeping your goods organized and ensuring all warehouse operations are well done.

For exceptional services, we do the following:

• Use the standard warehouse management system, which optimizes our services. The software manages all warehouse operations and takes inventory in picking, packing, and storing products.
• We keep all your products in the same place, and you can be sure they’ll be shipped from the exact location.
• Our warehouse staff is experienced and qualified. They handle your goods with precision and care using their professionalism, precision, and knowledge.

Custom Clearance

Luckystar provides a dedicated customs brokerage that includes professional clearance in valuation and verification. They ensure your shipping from Vietnam to the US is smooth, and you don’t incur unnecessary shipping costs by paying customs authorities.

Insurance

As you ship goods from Vietnam, your cargo could encounter risks, and it’s essential to have insurance to protect your freight.

Insurance protects the value of your goods from potential losses during transit times. Buying insurance isn’t a requirement, but it’s an excellent recommendation for better security of your goods.

For your shipping from Vietnam to the US, the following aspects are covered:

• customs rejection
• cargo abandonments
• infestation
• damages from improper packing
• employee dishonesty
• theft
• non-delivery
• damage from heavy water, sinking, or derailment
• damages from corrosion
• fire

Luckystar offers you insurance services to assist you in claiming your goods in case of damage and documentation to give you successful damage claims.

Luckystar packing and shipping standards

International shipments come with a lot of red tape, and if you’re not careful, it could cause delays in the transportation of your goods. To ensure all our international shipments, including those from Vietnam to the US, are smooth, we follow the standards below:

Customer request confirmation

We perform different checks when handling your requests. This is essential to ensure we get it right and especially for door-to-door shipping from Vietnam. Checking customer requests ensures we get the right destination port, cargo volume, port congestion in the US, shipping charges, customs clearance requirements, and many more.

Also, it’s an excellent way for us to check the type of goods we’re transporting while at the origin port. This protects us from transporting dangerous goods prohibited in the destination port.

Prohibited goods to ship from Vietnam to us

There are many Vietnamese goods the USA doesn’t allow into its country, and it’s regulated by the customs regulations and border protection units. Some of them include the following:

• Fish and wildlife
• Any weaponry
• Ammunition like machine guns
• Explosive materials
• Biologicals
• Drug paraphernalia
• Some publication types
• Second-hand consumer goods
• Hunting and game trophies
• Firecrackers
• Dog and cat fur
• Chemicals
• Absinthe
• Regulated cultural products
• Right hand driven cars
• Raw materials with asbestos Gold
• Merchandise from embargoed countries

The above are just a few of the goods regulated by the US. To ensure quick customs clearance of your Vietnamese goods, avoid the above-listed items.

Safe goods packaging

Goods for shipping from Vietnam are mostly packed in cartons. Cartons are our foremost packing choice for general cargo packing because they are environmentally safe and can be recycled and repurposed for other functions. Also, they are secure and prevent the goods from damage during transit times by preventing condensation.

Remember, shipping goods is an elaborate process and includes many checkpoints in customs clearance. Cartons make this checking process simpler because the customs clearance office simply checks and re-seals the package.

Also, cartons offer an excellent area for writing the supplier and receiver information making door-to-door orders more efficient. We only use up to five carton layers, and you don’t need to worry about the actual weight of your transport goods changing.

Plastic packaging

We use plastic packaging for shipments that need it. We follow the best procedures to ensure your goods arrive in the US safely

Standard pallets

We use high-grade and world-grade IPPC ISMP 15 model pallets to improve our shipping process by securing the entire cargo load during transit.

Freighted notes created professionally

All our freight notes for express cargo are well-drafted by professionals. This includes the package description hence no misplacements can occur on board.

Furthermore, we attach the freight notes on the shipping consignment to ensure its visible for checks and inspection during transit time.

Time taken by a shipment from Vietnam to the US

A ship can take around 15-40 days from Vietnam to the US. This will also depend on the type and amount of load. If your shipment is large and time isn’t a problem, sea freight is a perfect choice.

A fast option for shipments you need to be delivered quickly is air freight. Although its freight rates are higher, the time is way shorter. Air freight has an express option available and can reduce transit to 1 day.

Why you need Luckystar Logistics

Luckystar is a freight forwarder, and we can help you coordinate your shipment from Vietnam to the US.

We are the best option in helping you find solutions for your Vietnam to USA shipments.

We are a reliable shipping partner, and we help you navigate the complex shipping process in international transport.

Luckystar is a great way to save money and time when you’re making international delivery from Vietnam to the US.

We make sure your cargo will arrive in the right conditions and on time.

Shipping goods is a complex process. When shipping from Vietnam to the US, you require a warehouse for preparation and storage, and you need a freight forwarder.

A forwarder will also have geography and language advantages. At Luckystar, we have the following:

• We are fluent in Vietnamese
• We understand both the US and Vietnam business culture
• We have experience in managing Vietnamese suppliers
• Experience in quality control
• Experience in logistics
• Audit experience

Factors to consider when choosing a freight forwarder

The success of your shipment will depend on the freight forwarder you choose.

The following are some factors you should consider when choosing the freight forwarder:

• Ensure they have a business license from the Vietnamese transport ministry. this makes everything transparent and legal.
• They should have an official website and a good ranking on google. Check their website reviews, costs, and services.
• Check for a good insurance plan to ensure you get compensation in case any damages occur in warehousing and shipment.
• Check the cargo tracking system so you can get real-time updates on the progress of your data.
• Ask for recent shipment records to check the transfer of goods.
• Check their response time if they are prompt, and if they give you professional explanations and advice.

Once you’re convinced of the services, you can form a partnership.

If you have doubts, you can try the forwarder with smaller goods.

Rules, customs, and regulations for imports in the USA

The USA has strict customs laws regarding the preparation and submission of customs documentation. Errors in your paperwork can result in confiscating merchandise as contraband and fines.

Customs and border protection do not require importers to have permits or licenses. However, this depends on the goods you’re exporting; they may be required.

The following documents are required when shipping into the US:

Bill of landing

This is like the passport for the goods you are shipping, showing that the transfer is legal. It’s issued after you’ve made payment to the carrier.

It can either be a bill of landing for sea freight or an air waybill for air freight. It provides the following information:

• Consignee
• Shipper
• Vessel number
• Place of delivery
• Container number
• Notify party
• Discharge port
• Goods description
• Volume or dimensions of the cargo
• Cargo net weight

Commercial invoice

This is the original invoice that is issued by the border patrol.

It’s used to ascertain that the goods received are the same quantity as when it was declared.

Import permit

You need this for restricted goods which require a license before they enter or leave a country. These goods include drugs and toys.

Export/import declaration

This is prepared by the exporter or importer and is summited to the customs office.

This form requirements vary depending on the contracts.

Certificate of origin

The document is proof that your goods are manufactured in Vietnam. It should be signed by the manufacturer and delivered by the Vietnam government.

Packing list

This list summarizes the items in your shipment in case you have chemical or hazardous products. You must attach the MSDS with your shipment.

Tips to save money when shipping from Vietnam to the US

Saving money during transport is a crucial factor, and here are some tips:

Understand the terms

You must understand the following terms to save money. Most freight websites use this quotation which is a description of the goods and other aspects of your shipment.

• FOB: This means Free or freight on board. It’s a shipping agreement between a buyer and seller. The freight cost here is divided into two from the Vietnam port to the USA port and from the USA port to your door.
• CIF: Stands for cost, insurance, and freight. The supplier takes care of all the transport costs from the Vietnam factory to the USA port, including the insurance.
• EXW: Stands for Ex-works. This quotation means that the seller makes the goods available on their premises or elsewhere. Hence you will be paying your shipping costs in three parts: Vietnam factory to Vietnam port, Vietnam port to USA port, and USA port to your door.
• DAP: Delivery at a place or destination signifies that the seller will handle all the charges on the cargo until it’s delivered to your door. However, you have to pay import taxes at the destination.

Before making your shipment from Vietnam, you must choose one of these means. Depending on the destination and goods, choose the cheap one.

The best way for you to save money is by choosing EXW or FOB. Your goods will always be in professional hands and reach your destination fast and its lowest prices.

Familiarize yourself with weight and size calculation rules

You can save money while transporting goods through air freight or express delivery by considering the rules on weight and size.

The cargo is weighted in kilograms, and the volume is calculated in cubic meters.

To save money, you should compress your packages and reduce the measurement volume.

An experienced freight forwarder like Luckystar will help you come up with ideal solutions that’ll save you money for your shipments from Vietnam to the USA.

Import taxes and duties in USA

As you import from Vietnam to the US, you must pay customs duty before the goods are delivered to the country. The taxes will be calculated depending on the CIF value of your goods.

Each US state has its own tax, and there is no VAT. For an import of Vietnamese goods, you don’t need to pay the sales tax because this is only for retail.

Avoid rush hour

Planning generally keeps you out of trouble. For international transportation, you have to plan your shipments before the deadlines.

Vietnamese holidays greatly influence the delivery time of your products and the cost. During these peak seasons, shipping prices rise higher than usual, and some shipping companies are closed, making it hard to transport.

Avoid shipping from Vietnam in the fall months because prices are higher and unplanned delays like congestions, incorrect documentation, supplier issues, and blockages occur.

Find a multimodal transportation solution

A multimodal transport solution is a combined or hybrid transport where you use more than one mode of transportation under one contract.

Legally, with this mode of transport, the carrier is in charge of the entire transport, and they don’t have to own all the transport modes.

This is a perfect choice to ensure your shipment is delivered on time and within budget.

The benefit of this method is that it not only saves you money but also reduces indirect costs.

Your freight forwarder can offer you this hybrid model if sea freight can’t be delivered on time and air freight is too expensive. Hence you can save both time and money.

Cheapest times to ship from Vietnam to the US

The cost of your shipment from Vietnam to the US depends on your freight forwarder and seasonal factors.

To pay cheap, avoid the peak seasons where supply is low and demands are high, making prices go up.

When container capacity becomes scarce, freight forwarders are concerned with making their supply chain work, and they raise prices.

Peak seasons are mostly from mid-August through to mid-October and you should avoid shipping freight during this period.

Tips to beat peak seasons

The following are some tips you can use to ensure you avoid shipping during peak season:

• Split your shipments

During the peak seasons, ship goods you can when you can.

If you’re shipping several containers, use multiple bills of landing. Carriers roll containers based on the bill of landing. If you have one for all the containers, they’ll all be rolled. To avoid this, separate your bills to get some containers through.

Also, avoid transshipments. During peak season, your containers can be rolled twice, and you need to avoid it by choosing a direct service.

• Up your insurance

It’s important to always insure your cargo and more so during peak season. Shipping from Vietnam to the US using the Pacific Ocean exposes your goods to risk, and so does air freight.

With more ships during peak season, there is a greater risk of something going wrong. Cargo thefts surge during this period, and you need to be insured to avoid making losses.

• Use a trusted freight forwarder

You need a shipping partner you trust during peak times. Forwarders book contracts with different carriers, and when they get better prices, they pull out.

Carriers don’t like this, and once carriers have canceled severally, they won’t allow them space.

Hence you need a forwarder you can trust, and you can also use different forwarders to be safe. Diversity mixes your provider options, and you get different carrier contracts, service levels, and transit times.

You need a partner who knows their magic, and Luckystar is well versed with shipping from Vietnam to the US, and you will not be disappointed.

• Use shipments with longer transit times

During peak seasons, everyone is trying to ship their goods as fast as possible. Everyone is clamoring for shipments with the shortest transit times, and you should avoid this.

The shipments with slightly longer transit times are prime for taking during peak season. Often, it’s a difference of a few days on the schedule, and you should plan to accommodate this on your schedule.

Slower shipments are less likely to roll your containers, and you get free warehousing on transit for extra few days.

Ultimately, using slower shipments will save you time and money.

• Prioritize your peak shipments

Your shipments are not equal in terms of urgency and priority. The products that need to get to the US on time or those with greater demand should be your priority.

When it’s peak season, shipments get held up, and if a ship is overcapacity, a container can be rolled.

To avoid this, you must tell your freight forwarder the boxes with priority goods. They always get notice before a shipment is rolled, and they can ensure your priority containers are protected.

Also, you should approach peak seasons with a clear forecast of what it looks like. You can use data from previous years and trends in the shipping industry to forecast sales.

Finally, you should narrow down your shipments and focus on the essentials.

Shipping ports in Vietnam

Your freight forwarder or supplier will advise you on the best port to use when shipping from Vietnam, depending on the port volume, customs clearance, transit times, or any agreements they have.

If you choose the port on your own, consider the location, transit time, and cost. Some of the top ports for exporting from Vietnam include:

Ocean ports

• Ho chi Minh city
• Haiphong in northern Vietnam
• Danang central Vietnam
• Cai Lan
• Quy Nhon
• Hanoi
• Tan Cang
• Binh Duong Port
• Vung Tau

Airport

• Tan son Nhat
• Noi bai international airport

Shipping ports in the US

The top ports for importation in the US are the east coast or west coast:

• Los Angeles, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• New York, NY
• Baltimore, MD
• Charleston, SC
• Savannah, GA
• Norfolk, VA
• Houston, TX

Airports

• Louisville International Airport (SDF)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Memphis International Airport (MEM)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)

Packing materials when shipping from Vietnam

The following are things you can use for packing your shipments:

Carton

This is limited by the weight it can handle, but it can be palletized. It’s cheap and you can recycle it. There are many choices that, include:

• Double-wall corrugated cardboard is an alternative to wooden crates
• Doubled cardboard boxes for fragile goods like china and glass
• Corrugated cardboard for nonfragile goods like clothes and books

Crates

You can use a wood, plastic, or metal crate for heavy and large items. They are rigid and help secure your goods.

Bags

This is for bulk and raw products. They are easy to load and unload.

Pallets

You can pick either wooden or plastic pallets. You can use the pallets to consolidate small cartons for heavy and large shipments.

Things to consider when packing your container load

Many considerations go into packing your container. This includes the cargo dimensions and weight.

You should use a sea rates calculator to understand how much space your shipment will need. This way, you can optimize how you use your container for the cheapest shipping from Vietnam.

Also, you must consider the restrictions or bans on certain goods to the USA and, more specifically, on individual states. Do the necessary research on your cargo if any of these restrictions apply.

Types of containers when shipping from Vietnam

The type of container you choose when shipping from Vietnam to the US depends on your cargo. Some of the common containers used include:

Intermodal container: This is suited for various transport modes like air and sea

Ocean or sea container: This a container specifically suited to transport products across the ocean because of its corrosion-resistant material

ISO container: This a container type that suits the international standards and specifications

Cone box: A type of unit designed in the Korean war

One trip: Containers that have been used once across the sea

Reefers: They are used for perishable and temperature-sensitive products.

OOG Special Container: Open Top Container; Flat Rack Container

Tank container: They are exclusively used for the storage and transport of liquids or chemicals.You need to use different containers for your different goods because they are suitable for storing different goods, and you’re sure of the safety of your cargo. Also, they are movable across different locations.

How to insure your container

There are two ways you can insure your cargo:

• Freight forwarder who you’ve partnered with
• The third-party insurance agent you trust

Luckystar is a great insurance advocate, and we offer you insurance to protect your goods.

Challenges when shipping from Vietnam to the US

Each mode of shipping from Vietnam faces its challenges.

Air freight shipping

despite being the fastest means to ship goods from Vietnam, it has the following challenges:

• There are no standardized security measures that have been established.
• It has capacity limitations.
• Trade protectionism
• Fluctuating oil prices lead to different transport fees.

Ocean freight

Some of the challenges with ocean freight include:

• Political and economic tariffs and trouble
• Fluctuating capacity for international shipments keeps the costs volatile
• There’s a lack of transparency and visibility cost since multiple organizations take part in shipping
• The market is price-sensitive, and forwarders can’t beat the competition.