Shipping from Vietnam to the U.S: A Complete Guide
- jaykim73
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
As global supply chains continue to shift, Vietnam has emerged as a major export hub for manufacturing, textiles, electronics, and furniture. With its competitive labor costs, expanding production capabilities, and strategic access to international trade routes, Vietnam is now one of the top sources of goods shipped to the United States. For businesses importing from Vietnam, understanding the most efficient and cost-effective shipping methods is critical to maintaining profitability and supply chain resilience.
At Advanced International Freight, we help companies navigate every stage of international freight—from port of origin to final delivery in the U.S. Whether you're a small importer or a large enterprise with regular container volumes, this guide will help you choose the best shipping strategy from Vietnam to the U.S.
Why Vietnam Is a Leading Export Partner to the U.S.
Vietnam’s prominence as a manufacturing hub continues to grow due to favorable trade agreements, rising labor costs in China, and a robust production base for apparel, electronics, and furniture. In 2023, Vietnam ranked among the top 10 U.S. import partners, with billions of dollars in goods flowing annually between the two countries.
For American businesses, Vietnam offers not only manufacturing affordability but also geographic advantages for both sea and air transport—making it well-positioned to meet evolving consumer demands in North America.
Key Shipping Methods from Vietnam to the United States
Ocean Freight (FCL & LCL)
Ocean freight remains the most popular and cost-effective method for transporting goods from Vietnam to the U.S., especially for medium to large-volume shipments.
Full Container Load (FCL) is best for businesses with sufficient volume to fill a standard 20ft or 40ft container. FCL provides better cost per unit, more control over cargo, and reduced risk of damage or delay.
Less than Container Load (LCL) is suitable for smaller shipments that don’t require an entire container. LCL allows multiple importers to share space in a container, which can be economical, but may involve longer transit times due to consolidation and deconsolidation.
Transit Time (Ocean Freight):
Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles: ~20–25 days
Haiphong to Long Beach or East Coast Ports: ~25–35 days
Pros:
Cost-effective for high-volume goods
Ideal for non-urgent shipments
Flexible container options
Cons:
Longer lead times
Subject to port congestion and seasonal delays
Air Freight
For high-value, time-sensitive, or lightweight cargo, air freight offers unmatched speed and reliability.
Transit Time (Air Freight):
Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to major U.S. airports: 2–6 days (including customs clearance)
Pros:
Fastest transit option
Lower risk of damage or loss
Predictable scheduling and fewer delays
Cons:
Higher cost per kilogram
Limited capacity for oversized goods
Air freight is ideal for:
Electronics
Fashion and apparel launches
Urgent production components
Medical or pharmaceutical products
Choosing the Best Shipping Method
Your choice between ocean freight and air freight depends on several factors:
Factor | Ocean Freight | Air Freight |
Shipment size | Medium to large | Small to medium |
Delivery urgency | Flexible | Time-sensitive |
Cost sensitivity | Budget-conscious | Willing to pay premium |
Product type | Durable, non-urgent | High-value or perishable |
Lead time | 20–35 days | 2–6 days |
Advanced International Freight can help you evaluate the best option based on your cargo, budget, and delivery schedule.
Key Ports and Airports in Vietnam
Major Ports:
Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) – Largest container port in Vietnam, ideal for shipments to U.S. West Coast
Port of Haiphong – Serves northern Vietnam, with access to East Coast U.S. routes
Da Nang Port – Regional alternative for central Vietnam exports
Major Airports:
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Located in Ho Chi Minh City
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Located in Hanoi
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) – Suitable for central region exporters
Customs and Documentation Requirements
Shipping from Vietnam to the U.S. requires proper documentation for customs clearance, which includes:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Certificate of origin (if claiming tariff benefits)
Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean freight
Any applicable FDA, USDA, or other regulatory approvals
Advanced International Freight assists with all documentation, compliance reviews, and customs brokerage to ensure smooth and legal entry into the United States.
How Advanced International Freight Supports Your Vietnam–U.S. Supply Chain
As an experienced international logistics provider, we offer comprehensive services to manage your shipments from Vietnam to the U.S.:
Freight forwarding via ocean (FCL/LCL) and air
Consolidation services for multiple suppliers
End-to-end customs clearance and documentation support
Last-mile delivery coordination across U.S. regions
Real-time shipment tracking and reporting
Warehousing and distribution options at major U.S. ports
Whether you’re importing electronics, textiles, consumer goods, or industrial parts, our team ensures you receive cost-effective and compliant shipping tailored to your business.
Final Thoughts
Shipping from Vietnam to the U.S. presents a significant opportunity for global sourcing and growth. By choosing the right freight method, ensuring regulatory compliance, and partnering with a reliable logistics provider, you can streamline your import operations and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced marketplace.
At Advanced International Freight, we make international shipping simple, transparent, and efficient—so you can focus on growing your business.
Need a custom Vietnam–U.S. shipping solution? Contact us today for a consultation and shipping quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship from Vietnam to the U.S. by sea?
Ocean freight from Vietnam to the U.S. typically takes 20 to 35 days, depending on port of origin and destination.
What is the cheapest way to ship goods from Vietnam?
Can I ship small parcels from Vietnam to the U.S.?
Do I need a U.S. import license?
Can Advanced International Freight help with customs clearance?
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