If you’re sourcing products from Vietnam or planning to partner with a local supplier, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: how long does it take to ship from Vietnam to the US?
The answer depends on many factors, but the more you know upfront, the better prepared you’ll be to communicate expectations, avoid delays, and keep your business running smoothly. In this article, we break down realistic shipping timelines and what buyers should know before placing an order.
Quick Summary
- Shipping times range from 1 to 45 days, depending on method: express, air, or sea.
- Express is fastest (1–4 days); ocean freight is slowest but most cost-effective.
- Learn what impacts delivery: customs, port delays, holidays, and weather.
- Ideal for buyers who need to plan ahead, avoid delays, and communicate clearly with suppliers.
- Use this guide to make smarter sourcing decisions when buying from Vietnam.
The Three Main Shipping Options from Vietnam to the US
1. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
If you need your products in a matter of days, express courier services are the fastest available.
- Estimated Delivery Time: 1 to 4 business days
- Best for: Samples, small orders, or urgent documents
- Service Type: Door-to-door with customs handled by the courier
This is the most expensive option, but it’s incredibly reliable—ideal for businesses that value speed over cost.
2. Air Freight
Air freight offers a balanced choice between cost and speed, perfect for shipments that are too large for express but still time-sensitive.
- Estimated Delivery Time: 5 to 10 business days (door-to-door)
- Best for: Shipments between 100-500 kg
- Service Note: Buyers or sellers usually work with a freight forwarder
Air freight is commonly used for electronics, fashion goods, and other mid-weight items that require quicker delivery than sea freight can provide.
3. Ocean Freight
When you’re moving larger volumes or heavy cargo, sea freight is the most cost-effective choice, though it takes longer.
- Full Container Load (FCL): You pay for the whole container
- Less than Container Load (LCL): You share space with others
Estimated Times:
- Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles: 20–25 days (FCL)
- Hai Phong to New York: 30-36 days (FCL)
- Add 5–10 days for inland delivery and customs clearance
- LCL shipments typically take 30-45+ days
Understanding Shipping Terminology: Port-to-Port vs. Door-to-Door
When discussing logistics with your supplier or freight forwarder, it’s important to understand the difference between two common service types:
- Port-to-Port: Shipping starts at the port in Vietnam and ends at the port in the U.S. You (or your forwarder) handle transport on both sides.
- Door-to-Door: This includes pickup at the supplier’s warehouse and delivery to your U.S. address.
Buyers sourcing from Vietnam should confirm with their supplier which shipping terms apply and who is responsible for what (e.g., shipping arrangements, customs, local delivery).
What Affects Shipping Time from Vietnam to the US?
Shipping time can vary depending on several real-world factors. Here are the most common ones that can add days—or even weeks—to your delivery.
1. Customs Clearance
Incorrect or missing documentation can delay customs processing in both Vietnam and the U.S.
Make sure your supplier:
- Provides all necessary export documents
- Accurately describes the shipment contents
- Uses appropriate HS codes
Buyers should also ensure any required import licenses or paperwork are ready.
2. Port Congestion
Major ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, or New York may experience backlogs, especially during high season.
This is typically out of the seller’s control, so it’s best to build in a buffer of 5–10 days around peak periods.
3. National Holidays and Weather Events
Shipping services slow down dramatically during Vietnam’s Lunar New Year (Tet), which can last up to two weeks. On the U.S. side, Thanksgiving and year-end holidays create massive cargo volumes that overwhelm ports and couriers.
Additionally, typhoons or storms in Southeast Asia can affect sea schedules and cause unexpected delays.
Popular Shipping Routes from Vietnam to the US
Here are two of the most commonly used shipping lanes for cargo moving from Vietnam to the United States:
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN/SGN Port) to Los Angeles (LAX/LB Port)
- Delivery Speed: Fastest sea route for West Coast deliveries
- Estimated Time: 20–25 days (FCL port-to-port)
- Best for: Businesses with warehouses or fulfillment centers on the West Coast
Hai Phong to New York or Savannah
- Delivery Speed: Longer route due to canal passage
- Estimated Time: 30–36 days (FCL port-to-port)
- Best for: Importers located on the East Coast
Understanding which route your shipment will take helps you communicate realistic delivery expectations and better manage your inventory.
How to Avoid Shipping Surprises When Sourcing from Vietnam
If you’re just starting to work with Vietnamese suppliers, here are a few tips to help your shipments arrive on time:
Ask for Shipping Estimates Early
Before placing an order, ask your supplier what shipping method they recommend and how long it typically takes.
Get Clear on Incoterms
Understanding who’s responsible for what helps avoid finger-pointing when delays occur.
Request Tracking Info
If you’re using express or air freight, ask for a tracking number as soon as it’s shipped. For ocean freight, request the bill of lading and vessel name to track progress.
Plan Around Holidays
Place orders well in advance of peak seasons like:
- Lunar New Year (January–February)
- U.S. Black Friday / Christmas season (October–December)
Shipping delays are almost guaranteed during these times.
Know the Timeline, Avoid the Surprises
So, how long does it take to ship from Vietnam to US?
- Express: 1–4 business days
- Air Freight: 5–10 business days
- Sea Freight (FCL): 20–36 days
- Sea Freight (LCL): 30–45+ days
As a buyer or seller working internationally, understanding shipping timelines helps avoid stress, missed deadlines, and unexpected costs. Use this knowledge to plan production, fulfillment, and communication with confidence.
At Valo Vietnam, our mission is to make international trade smoother by connecting trustworthy Vietnamese wholesalers with serious Western buyers. We don’t arrange shipping, but we help you find suppliers who do it right.
Visit Valo Vietnam to explore trusted suppliers, browse categories, and connect with the right wholesale partners today.
- Call us 24/7: +84 79 928 7929
- Email: alo@valovietnam.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to ship a small package from Vietnam to the US?
If sent via express courier (like DHL), it usually takes 1–4 days. This is the fastest method but also the most expensive.
- Is air freight faster than sea freight?
Yes. Air freight takes 5–10 days door-to-door, while sea freight ranges from 20 to 45 days, depending on the route and whether it’s FCL or LCL.
- Who handles customs during shipping?
That depends on the Incoterms. With express couriers and door-to-door shipping, the carrier usually manages customs. Otherwise, either the buyer or their freight agent must handle it.
- Can I track my shipment from Vietnam?
Yes. Most express and air freight shipments are fully trackable. Sea freight can also be tracked using a bill of lading or container number.