Shipping from China to Vietnam

Living in the modern world with easy access to the Internet, huge growth has been made possible in the number of online shops across the world, connecting all people from different parts of the world.

A businessman or businesswoman can just comfortably travel to various parts of the world to place your orders regarding what your business deals with.

In this case, it will be very important to know different ways of shipment from China to Vietnam if you are traveling from Vietnam to China to source products for your business.

This will simplify the entire process and help in choosing the best method.

What is the best way of shipping from China?

Shipping from China can be optimized in several ways, each suited to handle different needs. Each option has the best alternatives based on various variables such as budget, urgency, and type of goods to be shipped.

Air Freight:

It is the fastest method and suitable for last-minute shipment. Air freight is suitable for small high-value items since it is fast and costly.

Sea Freight:

This is the cheapest way for bigger shipments, though it may take a great deal of time to arrive at its destination compared to air freight. It may take more time compared to air transport, but for bulk goods, it is more economic. At the moment, container shipment is the normal procedure, where various products can be transported together.

Rail Freight:

This acts as a good middle ground between air and sea freights, particularly for shipments to Europe. It offers reasonable times of transit and reasonable costs, hence this can be a good alternative for larger volumes.

The international courier services, such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, are good for small packages since they provide door-to-door service.

There is consolidated shipping, where several shipments are combined into one shipment, thus reducing the overall cost of shipping.

This mode of shipment is very suitable for small businesses in order to save on shipping costs.

At the end, the most suitable way of shipment from China will be a trade-off among speed, cost, and type of shipment.

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Door-to-door service is a distinctive offering provided by freight forwarders, available for both air and sea shipping. In this method, the freight forwarder picks up the packages from a warehouse in China and delivers them directly to the customer’s specified destination in Vietnam. This service offers several significant advantages:

  • Cost Savings: Efficient logistics and consolidated shipments reduce overall expenses.
  • Time Savings: Streamlined processes ensure faster delivery times.
  • Convenience: The freight forwarder handles all aspects of the shipping process, including customs clearance, making it a stress-free experience. You simply hand over the goods in China and receive them in Vietnam without any hassle.
  • Easy Tracking: The entire shipment can be easily monitored throughout its journey.

Door-to-door service simplifies international shipping, making it an excellent choice for many businesses and individuals.

Door to door service
Door-to-door service

Shipping Methods from China to Vietnam

We can provide cost estimates and explain the pros and cons of each shipping method for your specific situation. However, having some background knowledge of these methods beforehand is beneficial.

The main shipping options are express shipping by courier service, air freight, and sea freight. Here, we’ll provide a quick overview of each method along with their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Express Shipping from China to Vietnam:

Express shipping is the fastest way to transport goods to Vietnam, with delivery times as short as 8-10 hours. This service ensures that your merchandise travels from the supplier’s factory directly to its final destination, whether that’s a warehouse in Vietnam or directly to your Vietnamese customers.

Several well-known carriers, including UPS, TNT, FedEx, and EMS, offer reliable express shipping services. These carriers use a combination of air freight and sea freight methods, providing a seamless, hands-off service. They handle everything from picking up your inventory at your door or factory to delivering it to the designated address.

Express shipping accommodates items of all sizes and weights. Light items are typically air-freighted for speed, while heavier items are sea-freighted, which takes longer. Despite the higher cost, the convenience and speed make express shipping an attractive option.

Advantages of Express Shipping

  • Fast and reliable delivery
  • Door-to-door convenience
  • Minimal effort required on your part

Disadvantages of Express Shipping:

  • Higher cost compared to other shipping methods

Shipping Time from China to Vietnam

The shipping time from China to Vietnam will depend on the shipping method chosen and that is enumerated below.

  • Air Freight: This is actually the fastest way and will take about 1-3 days for express services. This may take about 3-7 days for regular air freight at the same time.
  • Sea Freight: This is more economical but at the same time, slower. Shipping by sea takes about 5-15 days, from the various China ports of departure to the various destination ports in Vietnam.
  • Rail Freight: If shipping by rail is chosen, then transit times one should expect would range between 5-10 days-a fair middle ground between speed and cost.
  • Courier Services: For international couriers, such as DHL or FedEx, it could take anything from 2 to 5 days, which again depends upon the level of service applied.
  • Land Transport: Using trucks for cross-border transportation could take roughly 3 to 7 days, again depending upon the customs clearance and actual pathways used.

Generally speaking, shipping times depend on the method of shipping, particular points of origin and destination, and possible delays in customs.

Shipping Time from China
Shipping Time from China

Shipping cost from China to Vietnam

Shipping from China to Vietnam can vary considerably depending on several factors, which include the shipping method to be employed, the size and weight of the shipment, and the locations specifically involved in the transaction. Here is a general overview:

Air Freight:

Costs generally have a starting point of $5 to $10 per kilogram.
Prices are higher for express services, especially for small, urgent shipments.

Sea Freight:

Generally speaking, sea freight is the most economical way to go with larger shipments.

The cost of container shipping ranges from $300 to $1,500 and upwards, pending container size-for instance, a 20-foot or 40-foot container-and actual ports used, respectively.

Rail Freight:

The costs are normally competitive with sea freight. The costs often range from $0.10 to $0.50 per kilogram, pending distance and service provider.

Courier Services:

For international small packages, couriers may charge anywhere between $20 and $100, depending on the weight of the package and speed of delivery. Examples include DHL, FedEx, and UPS, among others.

Land Transportation:

Trucking shipments across the border costs vary widely but largely falls within a range of $100 to $500, contingent on distance and volume.

Quotes from various shipping service providers will offer you the best rate for your particular needs.

Airfreight from China to Vietnam:

The greatest benefit of air freight is, in fact, speed. Goods leaving China can arrive in Vietnam within 1-2 days. This is highly ideal for high-value merchandise, which sees great benefits in minimized transit time. However, this comes at certain costs.

Generally speaking, air freight is more expensive compared to sea freight. It is best for smaller items, because airlines provide limited weight and volume for cargo.

Also, air freight is more carbon footprint-intensive per ton-mile compared to sea freight and could be an issue for companies that look towards environmental sustainability.

Note that freight by air generally delivers the goods to just one airport in Vietnam, not to the final destination. Additional transportation needs to move your shipment from the airport to its ultimate destination.

The only exception is if you chose transport door-to-door. As already indicated, a door-to-door service covers everything from airport delivery to final destination, including customs clearance in Vietnam.

Air freight terms
Air freight terms

Advantages of Air Freight:

  • Rapid delivery (1-2 days)
  • Ideal for high-value items

Disadvantages of Air Freight

  • Higher cost than sea freight
  • Suitable only for smaller items due to weight and volume restrictions
  • Higher carbon footprint

Top Chinese airports for exports to Vietnam:

Major Chinese airports that usually facilitate a lot of exports to Vietnam include major international cargo handling airports that have gained global reputations for large volumes. These are mainly situated in key economic and manufacturing regions of the country. Below are some of the top Chinese airports that facilitate most of these exports to Vietnam.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG):

  • Location: Shanghai
  • Importance: It is one of the busiest cargo airports globally. The airport has gained a leading position in international trade and logistics.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN):

  • Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
  • Significance: A big gateway for Southern China trade; handling a high cargo volume.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

  • Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
  • Significance: In close proximity to the manufacturing and high-technology industry in the Pearl River Delta area. It has handled a huge volume of cargo.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

  • Location: Beijing
  • Significance: Main airport serving the capital city with a wide reaching international cargo services.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

  • Location: Hong Kong
  • Significance: Although technically not part of mainland China, Hong Kong Airport is still an important transshipment centre for cargo exported from China to Vietnam.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU):

  • Location: Chengdu, Sichuan Province
  • Significance: This airport is gradually acquiring more and more importance related to cargo due to the increasing economic impact of Western China.

Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO):

  • Location: Qingdao, Shandong Province
  • Significance: This holds good significance for exports mainly because of the proximity with most manufacturing hubs located in Eastern China.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO):

  • Location: Zhengzhou, Henan Province
  • Significance: Known for its development into a major logistics and cargo hub, with the presence of big logistics firms.

These airports are then very important nodes within the supply chain of the exports that will take place from China to Vietnam and accommodate a wide array of industries that range from electronics and textiles to machinery and consumer goods.

Airfright Time from China to Vietnam

It usually takes 1 to 7 days for air freight from China, which would depend on the service chosen. For example:

Express Air Freight:

Through express services-DHL, FedEx, and UPS-the delivery of packages can be made within 1 to 3 days under Urgent Shipment. It’s highly effective for goods that are very timely in nature.

Standard Air Freight:

Using standard air freight services, the time of transit generally takes from 3 to 7 days. This will be appropriate for shipments that are not so urgent, with more stops or additional time taken for handling.

Customs Clearance:

Allowances must also be made for customs clearance, which shall vary depending upon the shipment contents and the documentation involved in it.

Generally speaking, air freight is the fastest way of delivering goods from China to Vietnam and hence always in demand among business entities requiring urgent delivery.

Airfright Cost from China to Vietnam

The general estimated air freight time from China to Vietnam is from 1 to 7 days, depending on the type of service chosen, thus:

Express Air Freight:

If the delivery is urgent, express services, such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, can deliver packages in as little as 1 to 3 days. It will be ideal for perishable goods.

Standard Air Freight:

By standard air freight services, the shipment usually takes 3 to 7 days in transit. This service can be availed when there is less urgency for delivery and could involve more stops or longer handling times.

Customs Clearance: A variable factor will be added based on customs clearance, depending upon the contents of the shipment and the documentation involved.

On the whole, air freight is considered the fastest way to deliver goods from China to Vietnam and is generally utilized by those companies which need urgent delivery.

How much does it cost shipping from China to Vietnam?

One of the most prominent questions asked when planning shipments from China is how much it will cost. This is an unpredictable question because several influential factors may abruptly alter the final amount to be paid, including:

  • The shipping method-air or sea freight, with air freight options available in classic or express, and whether it’s door-to-door or another service option.
  • Nature of goods in conveyance.
  • Weight of shipment

It is always best to contact a capable freight forwarder who can provide an accurate quote tailored for the needs of your specific shipment.

What is the cheapest shipping from China to Vietnam?

The cheapest option of shipping goods from China to Vietnam normally depends on a few factors, including the size and weight of shipment, urgency for delivery, and specific routes different logistic providers may offer. Generally speaking, sea freight is more economical compared to air freight for bigger shipments or those that are not of immediate delivery.

A few considerations when shipping from China into Vietnam:

  • Sea Freight: It is always inclined tobe the cheapest way of shipping high volumes of goods for longer distances. The rate of sea freight is determined in accordance with container size, normally 20 or 40 feet, shipping route, and whether that will be full container load-FCL or less than container load-LCL.
  • Rail Freight: If your shipment is time-sensitive but too expensive for air freight, rail freight might be one to consider. In general, it offers a good economy in cost versus transit time, especially when shipments are not urgent enough for air transport but quicker than sea freight.
  • Air Freight: While air freights are generally faster, they usually tend to be more expensive compared to sea freight. In some airlines and logistics firms, however, there could be economy options available that might be more inexpensive than the ordinary air freight service.
  • Courier Services: In case of small packages or urgent shipments, the courier service provided by DHL, FedEx, or UPS may prove more competitive. It is generally faster but may be a little more expensive on shipments that are larger or heavier.

They will always go the extra mile to consult various freight forwarders or logistics providers so that they are able to quote them their price, as the final decision would depend on one’s needs. In other words, they shall be in a position to check the size, weight, and urgency of shipment, routes taken, services available on delivery.

Does Alibaba deliver to Vietnam?

Yes, Alibaba supports delivery in Vietnam by different sellers and suppliers on Alibaba. Basically, Alibaba is a front-runner e-commerce platform that connects businesses and manufacturers of China with buyers all over the world, including Vietnam.

Here are a few ways Alibaba is able to deliver goods to Vietnam:

Some sellers in Alibaba can directly ship to the buyers’ locations and can support buyers in international shipping to almost all countries worldwide, including Vietnam.

You are often allowed to choose a shipping method and estimate the shipping cost to Vietnam when placing your order on Alibaba.

  • Alibaba Logistics: It has its network of logistics and is cooperating with shipping companies and freight forwarders. You may be given a choice to arrange shipment to Vietnam with Alibaba logistics services, depending on the seller and product.
  • Third-party logistics service providers: It can undertake the task of sending forwarded shipments to other countries on behalf of the sellers at Alibaba.com. This could arrange for shipment from China to Vietnam on behalf of the seller.
  • Alibaba Global Selling Program: It is the cross-border selling of Alibaba, a part of which will be Vietnam. This program also allows sellers to provide competitive shipping options and deliver their products to Vietnam.

For anything bought from Alibaba, the shipping options and costs should be inquired about from the seller or through Alibaba’s platform. As a matter of fact, the size versus weight of the shipment, urgency of delivery, and particular methods of shipping available will make much difference in both experiences and cost of shipping.

Alibaba
Alibaba

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is a very critical issue in transporting goods from China to Vietnam, especially in the case of choosing the door-to-door service provided by the freight forwarder. In sum, this service involves taking care of all matters, and it embraces affairs concerning customs duties that can be determined according to international agreements or through that of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule-H.T.S- given to goods by the World Customs Organization for classifying goods being transported throughout the world.

Detailed customs duty information as related to Vietnam can be found on the official website for customs clearance. In hiring a freight forwarder to handle these procedures, the following documents will be required:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Letter of Credit
  • Bill of Lading

These will thus allow a freight forwarder to carry out customs clearance on your behalf with ease and convenience, while making sure that regulatory compliance is adhered to and that shipment delivery is effective.

Customs Clearance
Customs Clearance

What is the best way for shipping from China to Vietnam?

The freight choice depends much on the weight and condition of the commodity to be transported. Generally, heavy or bulky items are much cheaper by sea freight. In fact, the greater the volume and less the time sensitivity, the lower the shipping rate. Conversely, shipments below 200 kg and requiring fast arrival use air freight despite its high cost.

Final Takeaway

Another conclusion might be that shipping from China to Vietnam has many characteristics of a productive opportunity for companies that look out for new market opportunities. Strategic partnerships should be combined with effective logistics solutions that would help firms conduct the necessary adaptation in their supply chain and become truly competitive locally. Meanwhile, one has to conduct thorough research concerning customs regulations and transportation options so that the delivery would be on time and at the proper time. Finally, it is high-level technologies adoption, such as track-and-trace systems, that are bound to provide real-time visibility and control over shipments, adding much value to overall operation efficiency. Take active steps today to maximize your shipping process from China to Vietnam and become competitive in the market landscape.

TopShipping

With years of experience in logistics and freight forwarding, the author is passionate about making shipping smoother and more efficient.
As a leader at TopShipping, they’ve developed a deep understanding of supply chain management, international shipping rules, and creative logistics solutions. They’re driven by a desire to help businesses succeed by delivering reliable, customer-focused services.
Over the years, they’ve also shared their expertise by writing for various industry publications, offering practical tips and insights on the latest trends in logistics. Thanks to their leadership, TopShipping has become a trusted name for companies looking for hassle-free global freight solutions.

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