Managing Shipping & Logistics from Vietnam

Getting goods out of Vietnam on time and at the right cost is not complicated — but it requires discipline in planning, documentation, and booking timing. Most shipping problems are not caused by freight markets or carriers. They are caused by late decisions made too close to the cargo ready date.

Know your Incoterms

The three terms relevant for Vietnam furniture exports are FOB, CIF, and DAP. FOB (Free on Board) is the standard for most LTV clients — the supplier delivers to the port, the buyer arranges freight from there. CIF adds insurance and freight to the supplier's scope. DAP shifts delivery responsibility all the way to the buyer's named destination.

For most EU and US importers buying FOB, the freight forwarder relationship is the critical variable. Lock in a forwarder before the production schedule starts, not when the goods are ready.

LCL vs FCL

Less-than-Container-Load shipments cost more per unit and carry higher handling risk than Full Container Load. If order volumes don't justify a full container, the right move is to consolidate SKUs from multiple POs into one shipment rather than sending frequent small ones. Schedule shipments monthly or quarterly — not on-demand.

Book early

Flexport bookings for Eichholtz shipments go in at least one month before CRD. This is not a recommendation — it is a hard rule. Late bookings mean no vessel space, or premium rates, or both. Vietnam port congestion at Cat Lai is real and seasonal — buffer accordingly.

Documentation

A shipment hold caused by a paperwork error costs more than the paperwork would have. The mandatory documents for every Vietnam export shipment are: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading. For EU-bound wood furniture, add EUDR/EUTR documentation and FSC chain of custody certificates. For France-destination shipments, TRIMAN sticker on every carton.

All documents must match — CI quantities must match the PO, PL must match the CI, BL must reflect actual cargo. Discrepancies trigger customs holds.

What LTV handles

For full sourcing clients, LTV coordinates all of the above — booking, documentation, compliance checks, and container tracking through to clearance. Nothing ships without a QC pass and confirmed documentation.

Read about our sourcing services or our FAQ for common questions.

Contact us to discuss logistics coordination for your Vietnam orders.