Freight Shipping between China and Vietnam |Sea & Air
If you’re planning shipping China Vietnam, the first thing you should know is this: it’s fast and frequent, but small mistakes at origin or border can cost you days.
This route looks simple on a map, yet the real difference comes from choosing the right mode, port, and paperwork strategy from the start.
In this guide, we break down freight shipping from China to Vietnam in a practical way, so you can decide quickly and avoid surprises.
We handle all shipping methods, including air, sea, rail, and road, and we compare them based on your cargo, timeline, and budget.
The different methods of transportation between China and Vietnam?
If you’re looking at this route, you should focus on three realistic options: air freight, road freight, and ocean freight.
We’ll compare them clearly, explain when each one makes sense, and show you how to prepare your shipment the right way.
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If you want a clear answer for your specific cargo, talk to us directly. We review your volumes, Incoterms, supplier location, and deadlines, then recommend the most efficient setup based on real-time market conditions. Contact us and we’ll help you structure your shipment properly from day one.
The different methods of transportation between China and Vietnam?
If you’re shipping between China and Vietnam, your decision usually comes down to air freight, road freight, or ocean freight.
The right choice depends on how urgent your cargo is, where your supplier is located, and how sensitive your budget is.
Ocean cargo between China and Vietnam
Sea freight is the default option when your priority is cost control and stable volumes.
You’ll see this especially on routes like Shanghai or Ningbo to Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, where weekly sailings make planning easier.
If your goods are not urgent and you want predictable pricing per cubic meter or per container, ocean freight usually makes the most sense.
For more operational details, you can review our dedicated page: sea freight services.
The main shipping seaports in China
Port of Shanghai
If your supplier is in Eastern China, you’ll often load through the port of Shanghai. It’s one of the most connected ports globally, which means frequent departures and competitive carrier options.
Port of Ningbo
The port of Ningbo is another major hub in Zhejiang province. From experience, it’s often more flexible for factories located around Hangzhou or Yiwu, and it handles massive cargo volumes every year.
Website: Ningbo port
Port of Tangshan
Tangshan plays a key role in Northern China, especially for industrial cargo. If your production is closer to Hebei or the Bohai area, this port can reduce inland trucking costs.
The Port of Tianjin is strategic for shipments from the Beijing and Northern China region. After major reconstruction works in the past, it now handles very large volumes again and remains a core gateway for exports to Vietnam.
DocShipper Tips:
If your shipment is larger than 2 CBM, you don’t have strict delivery deadlines, and your goods are produced far from the Vietnam border, sea freight is usually your most cost-efficient option.
Other active Chinese ports for this corridor include Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Qingdao, Xiamen, Tianjin, Tangshan, and Taicang.
How much time does it take to ship freight from China to Vietnam
Transit time depends mainly on your departure port, arrival port in Vietnam, and vessel schedule.
For sea freight, the transit between major Chinese ports and Vietnam typically ranges from 4 to 5 days, port to port, under normal conditions.
Saigon | Da Nang | Port Cam Pha | Ba Ngoi | |
| Shanghaï | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Ningbo | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Tianjin | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Qinqdao | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Canton | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Hong Kong | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
These transit times are indicative and reflect port-to-port sailing only. They do not include customs clearance, port congestion, inspections, or final delivery to your warehouse.
What container can I choose for shipment between China and Vietnam ?
You’ll typically choose between the following container types:
- 20’GP, 33 cm3 capacity, 20 feet general purpose container
- 40’HC, 76 cm3 capacity, 40 feet high cube container
- 40’GP, 67 cm3 capacity, 40 feet general purpose container
If your cargo is less than 14 CBM, you’ll usually ship under LCL.
If it exceeds 15 CBM, taking a full container (FCL) is often more economical, even if it’s not completely full.
LCL: Less than Container Load
Consolidation is the name given to systems that allow goods from multiple customers to be grouped together in a single container, with the final destination being a single port. This system is suitable for shippers whose goods do not fill an entire container.
Thus, you will only need to pay for the space needed for your goods in the container, instead of the entire container. This means that it is relatively cost-effective for small shipments.
In this case, the LCL principle will be interesting in the following cases:
- You wish to group your shipments with other shippers in a single container
- Your goods to be shipped have a relatively small volume to use an entire container
- You want your goods to be delivered to multiple recipients
- Your goods are too heavy to use air freight, so this way of shipping will not be cost-effective compared to ocean consolidation
FCL: Full Container Load
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is a means of delivery by full container. This container belongs to a single customer, from the loading of the goods to the final destination.
Thus, the container being sealed from A to Z, the handling will be reduced, and the loads less important. This type of transport is used in particular for the purchase of goods in very large quantities.
This method is also the most economical way of transporting large volumes of goods. It is also the safest. This method is also advantageous for containers that are not completely filled, from 15 m3. The costs will indeed be lower than using the LCL method.
DocShipper advice: LCL works with multiple handover combinations: Door to CFS; Door to CY; Door to Door; CFS to CFS; CFS to CY; CFS to Door; CY to CFS; CY to CY; CY to Door.
- CFS: Container Freight Station: A warehouse where cargo is consolidated or deconsolidated.
- CY: Container Yard: The port or terminal area where containers are delivered or collected.
DocShipper tips: If your shipment exceeds 14 CBM, FCL often reduces handling and lowers risk exposure. You’ll also gain better control over sealing, documentation, and delivery timing.
What you should be paid attention to when choosing LCL
If you choose LCL, remember that your goods share a container with other shipments. That means one documentation issue can impact the entire container.
Here’s what you should monitor closely:
- Customs clearance: Missing documents for one shipment can delay the whole container if authorities hold it for inspection.
- Complete documents: Ensure packaging details, weight, HS codes, quantities, and product descriptions match perfectly across all documents.
- Consistency of goods: Incorrect weight or volume declarations can cause operational issues or damage.
- Temporary changes: Last-minute adjustments before vessel departure must be coordinated with all stakeholders to avoid disruptions.
From experience, pre-checking cargo details before consolidation avoids most delays. We systematically verify cargo data before stuffing to reduce risk at destination.
DocShipper Alert
Sea freight is usually the right choice for you if:
- You are shipping large volumes or bulky items, as sea freight offers the most space at a cost-effective rate.
- Your cargo doesn't have an urgent deadline, as sea freight typically has longer transit times compared to air or rail.
- Your shipping routes are between major ports, allowing you to leverage the extensive global network of sea shipping lanes.
How much does sea freight between China and Vietnam cost?
Sea freight costs depend on your container size, cargo type, carrier availability, and season.
As a general market indication, a 20-foot container (FCL) can range between $300 and $1,200, while a 40-foot container (FCL) may range from $500 to $1,600.
For a precise figure, we always recommend checking current rates before confirming production or booking, since prices fluctuate based on demand and space availability.
Air freight from China to Vietnam
DocShipper info: Are you looking for a reliable and cost-effective shipping solution for your cargo shipments? DocShipper is here to help! Our sea freight service offers a full range of shipping solutions to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today to find out how we can help you ship your goods safely and at competitive rates.
There are 2 categories of Air Freight
After mentioning sea freight, which is the cheapest, but also the most time-consuming method of transportation, we will discuss air freight. More expensive, it is the most accurate and fastest method of transportation.
Here are the two options for air freight :
Main Chinese airports
- SHA – Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- SZX – Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
- CTU – Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
- PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport
- KMG – Kunming Changshui International Airport
- PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- CAN – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Main Vietnamese airports
- SNG – Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport
- HAN – Nội Bài International Airport
- CXR – Cam Ranh International Airport
- DAD – Đà Nẵng International Airport
- VCA – Cần Thơ International Airport
- DLI – Liên Khương International Airport
- HUI – Phú Bài International Airport
- HPH – Cát Bi International Airport
- PQC – Phú Quốct International Airport
Why do we choose air transport?
Air transport offers many advantages that sea transport lacks, including reliability, simplicity and low cost of packaging, but above all speed. These are advantages that no other type of freight can compete with (The transit time is generally a few days). International air freight uses the volumetric ratio, which is a ratio of 6,000 cubic centimeters to 1 kilogram, with the actual load expressed in kilograms. Although air freight is most often more expensive, international air transport offers advantages for shipments that no other type of transportation can compete with.What is volumetric weight ?
The price of air freight varies according to weight and volume. If the cargo to be transported is small in volume, but relatively heavy, then the price will be calculated according to the weight.
However, if the volume is high, but the weight is low, the price will be calculated according to the volume.
Volumetric weight = (length cm * height cm* width cm) / 6000
The weight by volume and the weight gross are taken into account to determine the weight to be invoiced for a given commodity. The highest value will be chosen.
How much time does it take to ship air cargo from China to Vietnam?
The time it takes to ship air cargo from China to Vietnam can vary depending on several factors such as the origin and destination cities, the airline carrier, the type of cargo, and any customs or regulatory requirements.
Generally, air cargo shipments from China to Vietnam can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days. However, some factors like the size and weight of the cargo, the availability of flights, and any potential delays can extend the shipping time.
Door-to-door delivery between China and Vietnam
Tired of shipping procedures? Having to choose between the right mode of transport, then between the right FCL or LCL container option, by the right traditional or express airway option, taking care of these shipments yourself is sometimes complicated. At DocShipper, we offer a door-to-door service. We pick up your goods from your door, prepare the necessary documentation for transport, and then deliver your goods to the final destination. This also includes the customs procedure.
For all inquiries regarding door-to-door transportation, please feel free to contact our experts using our online form.
How door-to-door services are helpful?
Our door-to-door service allows us to smooth your transportation from A to Z. Our collaborators, present in China and Vietnam, will be able to be present on the spot in order to avoid any additional cost, or any delays of delivery, which can be caused by errors of communication between the various actors of the delivery process.
The customs clearance will be entirely mastered by the skills of our collaborators with the local Chinese and Vietnamese customs.
Docshipper Tip: Do you need to ship goods quickly and safely? DocShipper’s air freight service is here to meet your needs! We offer customized air freight solutions for all types of cargo, with fast delivery times and competitive rates. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
Customs clearance between Vietnam and China
When a product is imported, exported or in transit, it must be declared to the customs authorities upon entering or leaving the country’s customs territory. This is called customs clearance. Thus, the declarant or the owner of the goods will be able to recover his goods only after having fulfilled their obligations or accomplished the various formalities, whether it is in terms of control, taxation or formalities.
Also, each of the transports carrying goods, whether for import, export, or simply transit must be declared in customs, obtain a customs authorization and meet all the formalities.
Categories of tariffs
There is a tax levied by the state on articles and merchandise entering or leaving the customs territory. In all countries, customs duties are generally taxes whose tariff is set by the highest administrative unit of the state. For countries with developed foreign trade, customs duties are often the main source of revenue for the government and even the treasury.
Tariff classification based on commodity flow
Import duties: Levied by the customs authorities of the country importing the goods entering the customs territory from abroad, the import duties are in accordance with the customs tariff code.
Export tariff: Levied by the customs of the country exporting the goods, the export tariff is paid by the exporter.
Transit Tariff: Also known as the pass-through tariff, the transit tariff represents the customs duties that a country imposes on foreign goods crossing its customs territory.
Import restriction and export incentive policies are now in place in many countries around the world. Also, countries very rarely levy transit fees.
Tariff classification based on tariff purpose
Fiscal Tariffs: Collected with the primary objective of increasing the country’s revenue, revenue duties, or fiscal duties, are imposed on the import or export of goods.
Protective Tariff: Levied to protect the country’s agricultural and industrial development, the protective tariff increases with the degree of processing of the goods. It is generally higher than fiscal tariffs and capped at the taxed price of imported products above the national tariff of similar products. However, if the protective tariff were to exceed this limit, the competitiveness of the company will be impacted.
Punitive or retaliatory tariff: This tariff is an import surcharge. It is imposed by a country on goods imported from a third country, because of commercial discrimination against it, which results in a violation of the agreements concluded between them.
Tariff classification based on tariff treatment
Ordinary tariffs: General tariffs, also known as ordinary tariffs, are preferential tariffs put in place on goods that come from countries with which the importing country does not have an existing friendly agreement, such as economic and trade reciprocity.
Preferential tariffs: Preferential treatment is given to certain goods imported from certain countries. These rates are lower than the usual tariff rate.
What are Preferential tariffs?
Most-favoured-nation treatment tariffs
Most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariffs are a tariff treatment agreed between different contracting parties that have joined the MFN regime. The tariff rates in effect between WTO member countries are MFN tariffs. Their tariffs are lower than regular tariff rates but higher than preferential tariff rates.
Special Preferences
This means that the importing country gives special preferential treatment, either free or at a reduced rate of duty, to all or part of the products imported from a certain country or region. However, this preferential treatment cannot be invoked by other countries or regions under the most-favored-nation principle. The EFN duty rate is usually lower than the treaty rate and the MFN rate. There are both unilateral (non-reciprocal) and reciprocal forms of ex gratia payments.
Generalized System of Preferences tariffs
The GSP system, born in 1964, was approved at the very first United Nations conference on development and trade. By 1999, nearly 190 developing countries or areas had become beneficiaries of the GSP scheme of industrialized countries. However, the proposed rates are lower than the MFN tariffs.
Preferential tariffs are usually implemented between different countries that have signed international treaties or agreements, such as trade agreements or friendship agreements, with the objective of increasing friendly trade that strengthens economic cooperation between the two countries. If you have any questions about importing or exporting to any country, please do not hesitate to contact our experts!
How to calculate customs duties and taxes?
Having an overview of the overall costs of your shipment, which includes not only logistics services, but also customs clearance procedures and all related taxes and duties, is very important. In order to check each of these duties, you just need to know the HS code (Harmonized System) of your product. Each member of the World Trade Organization uses the same codes, unique for each product.The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System: HS code
Covering nearly 95% of world trade, the HS Code is used in 207 countries. Designed to uniquely and methodically classify products, this process was created to recognize the product simply by its code, and also to know the taxes and customs duties easily. Thus, each good is assigned a number, consisting of at least 6 digits. The HS code also allows to make statistics as well as comparison offers of the different relevant trade flows.The composition of an HS Code is as follows
How do I find the HS Code?
There are several ways to obtain the HS code for your merchandise. The most efficient method, which is also the easiest, is to contact your supplier directly. If the supplier is not able to send you the HS code, it shows a lack of reliability of the supplier (unless the supplier has a very small infrastructure and is not familiar with the whole export process).
If this is the case, you can still turn to websites that will help you get the code.
To do this, just enter a keyword in the search bar and then look at the different results you get.
Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code
Once you have your HS code, it is now time to check the tax rate you will have to pay for your shipment. To do so, follow these steps:
Duties and taxes from China to Vietnam
You must first go to the website of the Vietnamese customs authorities : Vietnam customs tariff
You have to fill your information (we will fill here the origin country and HS code, here is China) :
When you have done this, click on the search icon to access a page like the one below:
Interpretation of customs tariff in Vietnam
You can see on this picture that there is a “Free Trade Agreement” (FTA). This agreement exists only with Japan. Indeed, when you import this type of goods in Japan (pineapple), you will have to pay duties and taxes amounting to 12.5%. If the same product came from another country, such as China, these same duties and taxes would be 30%.
Duties and taxes from Vietnam to China
For shipments from Vietnam to China, go to the website of the Chinese customs : Chinese customs tariff.
First, the HS code must be entered on the following page:
To proceed to the next step, click on the “Search” button. This is the page that should appear:
3 categories can be distinguished:
- Customs declaration
- landed cost calculator
- import tariff and tax
Let’s focus on the tariffs and import taxes in China :
Landed cost calculator in China
Does DocShipper charge Dutry when clearing customs?
We take care of the entire shipping process, including customs clearance of your goods. We help you collect the documents and make the process smooth.
Customs fees are given by the state where your goods are located. No agent has the right to charge customs duties.
China Customs
Official name: General Administration of customs (China)
Official website: Chinese customs
Required documents
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is issued by the agent or carrier. It certifies the receipt of specific goods, which allows the products to be transported to a certain destination and delivered to the consignee of the document. It is actually a proof of the contract of carriage, and also serves as a receipt for the goods. It contains the following information: consignee, shipper, place of receipt, notified party, port of loading and unloading, place of delivery, measure, gross weight, date and place of issue, and is signed for the carrier.
Packing List
A packing list provides information on the invoice number, issuer, type of package, description of goods. It must also match the declared bill of lading.
The letter of credit must be presented to the export companies as it is a document for the payment of foreign currency. It is one of the additional documents that are added to the list of measures and weights associated with the invoice. They list the totality of the packaging and their characteristics, as well as the different weights. These documents will be used by the buyer to control the nature and size of the shipment and the customs acceptance of the goods.
Certificate of Origin
This type of document can only be issued by a notary agency, the government, or the exporter to prove the origin of the goods. The certificate of origin contains details on: the number and brand of the goods; the name and address of the importer/exporter; the name of the goods; the mode of transport and route; the weight and the quantity, etc.
Restricted and prohibited products
Before importing products, be sure to check the list of prohibited or restricted products :
Restricted Products
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Cosmetics
- Non-Perishable Food
- Alcohol products
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) goods
- Drugs, Prescription and Non-Prescription
- Agricultural products; i.e., cheeses
Prohibited products
- Pornographic and obscene
- Narcotic drugs
- Antiquities
- Counterfeit
- Aeromodels
- Maps and litterature with incorrect Indian boundaries
- Chemicals mentionned in Schedule1 of the Chemical weapons convention of UN 1993
- Indian ancient coins
- Wildlife products
DocShipper Advice: Looking to simplify customs formalities for your shipments to Vietnam? DocShipper is here to help! Our customs clearance in Vietnam service is designed to facilitate and accelerate your customs clearance, from import to export. We have a team of local experts who are fully conversant with Vietnamese customs regulations and can help you prepare all the necessary documents for customs clearance of your goods. Contact us now to find out how we can help you.
Other logistics services
Warehousing and storage
Strategically located near major cities, DocShipper warehouses store your goods for as long as you want. We also offer a container optimization service, whether you want to fill an entire container or ship your goods using the groupage method. Check our page: Warehousing services
Packaging and repackaging
In order to guarantee perfect protection of your merchandise during storage and to secure it during shipment, DocShipper offers a packaging and wrapping service. Our partners, present on site, offer their professionalism in order to provide the best possible repackaging service. We can also provide you with materials for your goods, such as pallets, cartons, crates and adhesive tape. Check here : Packing Services
Transportation insurances
Typical calculation: premium rate x amount declared The insurance rate varies depending on the nature of the goods, but also on the insurance company and the method used to transport your goods. Increasing the declared value by up to 20% will allow you to cover more goods, but also possible damages. More info on our dedicated page: Insurance services
Supplier Management in China
Upstream of your shipments, we can offer you a Sourcing service. This service includes product research and contact with the supplier. We make sure that the certificates of conformity are up to date, in order to ensure the approval of your goods in the country of import. Our department will also supervise a quality control on your products, and check the quality, condition and packaging of the goods. Also note that our experts are fluent in English, French and Mandarin. So you won't have any bad surprises when your goods arrive. Check here : Sourcing Services
Shipment of personal effects
For all expatriations, returns from expatriation, or simply for any excess luggage, DocShipper is there to help you in all the steps! We offer a packing and wrapping service, as well as secure shipping and customs clearance by our professionals. We offer this service for any place in the world. Check here : Moving services
3PL Service
Packaging / Ordering and Labeling: Strategically located in Camporosso, Italy, our warehouse in the heart of Europe will save you time, storing your goods, and preparing them for all your orders. We receive all orders from all countries, then we carry out the storage, packaging, labeling, order preparation and distribution, while managing your inventory. Delivery to the last mile: From our warehouse, we supervise the shipments of all your B to C orders. Thanks to the strategic location of our warehouse, the delivery time to your customers is 48 hours. Check here to know more information: 3PL Services
FAQ - Freight Shipping between China and Vietnam |Sea & Air
If you want a real quote, not a random number, you need to start with the right inputs. Most delays and budget surprises happen here.
Here’s what we need to price your shipment properly:
- Exact pickup city in China and delivery city in Vietnam
- Cargo type and HS code, especially if goods are regulated
- Total weight and volume, or full container size if FCL
- Incoterm agreed with your supplier, EXW and FOB change the cost structure completely
- Target delivery date
As of February 2026, indicative market levels look like this:
- Air freight to Ho Chi Minh City is around 1.40 USD per kg for shipments above 1,000 kg
- Sea freight FCL 20GP is around 365 USD to Ho Chi Minh and 625 USD to Haiphong
- 40GP containers are currently extremely competitive, sometimes around 200 to 225 USD
- LCL is around 5 USD per cbm
Those are port to port levels, not door to door. Customs, trucking, documentation and inspection fees are separate.
If you’ve been given a price that looks too cheap, check what’s missing. We often see quotes that exclude origin charges in China or destination THC in Vietnam. We prefer to quote transparently from day one so you can plan your margin properly.
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