Vietnam Ports & Origin Local Charges:
Cat Lai, Cai Mep, Hai Phong & Fee Breakdown
Origin port choice directly impacts your total landed transit time, feeder transshipment risks, and local handling fees. Here is an itemized breakdown of Vietnam's principal export gateways and origin terminal charges.
The 4 Major Container Export Hubs in Vietnam
Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port Complex
VNTMV / VNCMTDirect Services: Direct mother vessel sailings to North America (LA/Long Beach: 17–19 days, NY: 28–31 days) and Europe (Rotterdam/Hamburg: 24–28 days).
Key Advantage: Eliminates 5–8 days of feeder transit time and transshipment handling risk in Singapore or Malaysia.
Tan Cang - Cat Lai Port
VNCLIDirect Services: High-frequency feeder network connecting all intra-Asia ports (China, Japan, Korea, ASEAN) and transshipment hubs.
Key Advantage: Highest vessel sailing density in Southeast Asia; central proximity to Binh Duong and Dong Nai processing plants.
TC-HICT Lach Huyen (Hai Phong Deep-Sea)
VNHPH (Lach Huyen)Direct Services: Direct services to North America West Coast and Northern European gateways from Northern Vietnam.
Key Advantage: Deep-water facility avoiding river draft limitations of older Hai Phong upstream terminals (Dinh Vu, Tan Vu).
Quy Nhon Port
VNUIHDirect Services: Direct connections to regional East Asian transshipment hubs.
Key Advantage: Closest ocean port for Central Highlands plantations (Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak north); saves 250km+ of inland trucking.
Vietnam Origin Local Port Surcharges
Standard baseline charges levied by container shipping lines and port terminals at Vietnam origins.
| Local Charge Item | Typical Cost Benchmark | FOB Payer | CIF Payer | Operational Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Handling Charge (Origin THC) | $120–$160 / 20ft · $180–$240 / 40ft | Seller (Exporter) | Seller (Exporter) | Port terminal crane lift and internal movement between container yard (CY) and vessel. |
| Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR / Lo-Lo) | $25–$45 / container | Seller (Exporter) | Seller (Exporter) | Depot lifting fee for collecting empty box and gating-in loaded container. |
| Bill of Lading & Documentation Fee (B/L Fee) | $40–$65 / set | Seller (Exporter) | Seller (Exporter) | Carrier fee for issuing original Bills of Lading or electronic Sea Waybill. |
| Telex Release / Surrender Fee | $30–$50 / set | Seller (Exporter) | Seller (Exporter) | Electronic cargo release authorization sent directly from origin carrier agent to destination agent. |
| High-Security Container Seal Fee | $8–$15 / container | Seller (Exporter) | Seller (Exporter) | ISO/PAS 17712 certified bolt seal attached prior to terminal gate-in. |
| Container Imbalance Charge (CIC) / PSS | Variable (Seasonal) | Carrier Contract Specific | Seller (Prepaid in ocean freight) | Surcharge applied by certain carriers during extreme equipment deficit periods. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does shipping from Cai Mep save transit time compared to Cat Lai for US/EU buyers?
Cat Lai is an inland river port limited to feeder vessels. Cargo leaving Cat Lai for the US or Europe must first sail to Singapore or Malaysia, unload, sit in a transshipment yard for 3–6 days, and reload onto a mother vessel. Cai Mep loads directly onto mother vessels, eliminating transshipment dwell and reducing transit times by 5 to 8 days.
Under FOB terms, can the nominated forwarder invoice the seller for unexpected destination charges?
No. Under Incoterms 2020 FOB, the seller is only responsible for origin charges (local THC, EIR, documentation, customs). Destination THC, destination port security, and import customs belong strictly to the buyer.
What is the difference between an Inland Container Depot (ICD) and a seaport terminal in Vietnam?
An ICD (such as ICD Song Than or ICD Transimex) is a dry port located inland close to industrial zones. Shippers can complete export customs clearance and gate in containers at the ICD. The ICD operator then barges or trucks the container directly to Cat Lai or Cai Mep terminal for vessel loading.
Plan Your Next Port Routing with GreenTech
We provide clear, all-inclusive origin quotes with direct Cai Mep and Cat Lai bookings tailored to your container load type and delivery timeline.
