Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Apr, 07 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Vietnam?
Shipping to any area worldwide is not going to be a one-man job. The logistics are enough to make anyone cross out the plan and stay in their place. However, Three Movers isn’t an ordinary container shipping company. We have a team of professional experts trained and shaped to assist you throughout the process, providing you with the exact details for you to make the most accurate decision. And not only that, but we also ship to Vietnam! So, let’s begin going through the most important aspects of hauling.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping to Vietnam
When shipping a container to a different country, several factors must be considered, such as the volume and weight of the items to be shipped, the type of transportation used, the distance, the destination port, and the country’s peak period. These factors determine the price of transporting a container.
Since Vietnam is also connected to neighboring countries, truck freight can also be used. But if you are shipping from the West or other faraway countries, you have two options: sea or air.
You also need to consider the volume and weight of the items to be shipped. The heavier the weight, the more costly it will be. The same goes for volume.
Regarding destination ports, Da Nang around Ho Chi Minh City is the one to go. Destination ports should also be considered because port fees may vary. There is a list of products or goods that this port won’t accept to be imported, so you have to look out for that.
Vietnam’s peak period is May, June, and September. Avoid shipping during these months if you don’t like being around busy crowds and paying expensive additional fees.
Which Size of Shipping Container Works Best for Me?
Given all the options available, choosing the most appropriate shipping container may become overwhelming. However, most of our clients pick between a 20-ft and a 40-ft container. A 20-ft container can fit the items of a 3-bedroom house. This is as big as an average garage, which means that you can very much get a car shipped but must purchase another container for your other belongings if that’s the case. If you think you need more space, choose the 40-ft option instead.
In case you realize that the crates is too spacious for your items, you can either share with another client or more, or you can just pay the extra price and take the receptacles as yours. The downside of sharing it with others is that there are certain items you may not be able to ship because the sharers might be against having those items near their belongings. The good thing is it will be less costly. That’s how the Less Than Container Load (LCL) works.
On the other hand, if you choose a Full-Load Container (FCL), your receptacle will be shipped faster and more securely, and you can keep it to yourself.
Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything requiring full container shipping to Vietnam of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $625 |
| 40 ft Container | $810 |
LCL is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Vietnam.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $58/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $535 |
| Household Goods | $645 |
International House moving to Vietnam services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $535 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1240 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1660 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2165 |
International auto transport services to Vietnam via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $695 |
| SUV via RORO | $745 |
| Sedan (Container) | $890 |
| SUV (Container) | $945 |
Understanding The Different Types of Freight Transportation
There are two ways to ship your container: air or sea. Here are their differences:
- Sea Freight Transportation. If you are saving money and don’t worry about the shipping duration, it is advisable to take the sea freight option.
- Air Freight Transportation. If you are on a deadline to ship a container and want your items to be more secure, you can choose air freight shipping. However, you will pay five times the price of the sea freight option.
Additional Shipping Costs
As already mentioned, prices are affected by five factors such as:
- The volume and weight of the items to be shipped
- The type of transportation used
- Distance
- The destination port
- The peak period
But that’s not everything you will pay for. Due to other procedures, there are potential incremental costs, including Insurance, Customs fees, inspection, General Rate Increase (GRI), and Delivery Times.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the general information about the factors considered in dispatching a container to Vietnam, contact Three Movers’s team so we can give you a free quotation with the lowest shipping rates and efficient services. Call 888 (202-0036).
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Vietnam typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,500+ depending on origin port, container size, and freight method. A 20 ft container costs less than a 40 ft container, but fuel surcharges, port fees, and seasonal demand affect pricing. Costs increase with full household loads from a 2–5 bedroom home, packing services, storage, customs duties, and final-mile delivery. International moves are regulated under FMCASA rules when departing the U.S. Learn more about international moving costs.
Freight cost is calculated using container size, shipment weight or volume, origin port, destination port, and current ocean freight rates. Carriers price Full Container Load differently from Less than Container Load, where you pay per cubic meter. Fuel adjustments, terminal handling charges, customs processing, and inland trucking also apply. Peak season from May through September often raises rates. For residential shipments, total pricing includes packing labor, loading logistics, and delivery scheduling.
Shipping to Vietnam requires a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Customs Declaration, and Certificate of Origin in certain cases. Vietnamese customs authorities review declared value, cargo description, and ownership. Additional documents may include an import license for restricted goods or a letter of authorization. Missing or inaccurate paperwork can delay clearance and increase port storage fees. Proper coordination with an experienced international moving company helps prevent documentation errors.
Vietnam prohibits items such as firearms, ammunition, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, explosives, counterfeit goods, and certain cultural materials. Restricted items may include alcohol, used electronics, publications, and specific food products, which often require permits. Import rules are enforced by Vietnamese Customs and updated periodically. Shipments containing undeclared restricted goods risk fines or seizure. Large household shipments should be inventoried carefully, especially when packing fragile or specialty items.
Vietnam applies import duty and Value Added Tax based on the declared value, product classification, and CIF total cost. Many household goods shipments are taxed around 10 percent VAT, though duty rates vary by item type under Vietnam’s tariff schedule. The tax-free threshold is relatively low compared to U.S. standards. Charges are calculated on freight value plus insurance and shipping costs. Budgeting accurately is critical when estimating the cost of shipping from Vietnam to the US or vice versa.
Ocean freight to Vietnam typically takes 20 to 40 days port to port, depending on departure location and routing. West Coast departures are faster than East Coast sailings due to transit distance. Customs clearance in Vietnam usually takes 3 to 10 business days if documents are accurate. Delays can occur from inspections, port congestion, weather, or incomplete declarations. Delivery timelines also depend on inland trucking availability and final destination access conditions.
Marine cargo insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended for international container shipments. Coverage protects against loss, water damage, theft, port handling damage, and total loss at sea. Policies are typically based on declared shipment value plus freight cost. Without insurance, carrier liability is limited under international maritime rules. Insurance is especially important for high-value furniture, electronics, and full household loads moved under an overseas moving service.
