When importing containers, in addition to the goods value and ocean freight, businesses must pay many other fees at the destination port. A lack of understanding of these fees is the leading cause of budget overruns of 15-30%.
Which cost items are included in container imports?
10 items: international freight, THC, customs fees, demurrage/detention, specialised inspection, import tax + VAT, inland transport, C/O and documents, insurance.
How do 20' and 40' container costs differ?
A 40' container has 30-50% higher freight, 20-30% higher THC, and 30-40% higher inland transport.
What are detention and demurrage?
Demurrage: a fee for keeping a container at the port beyond the free time. Detention: a fee for keeping a container at the warehouse beyond the free time.
How can container import costs be optimised?
Choose the appropriate Incoterm, negotiate with multiple shipping lines, obtain a C/O to benefit from tax incentives, and pick up containers on time.
Total import cost for one 1 container 40' from China to Hai Phong?
Freight 200-500 USD, THC 3-5 million, customs clearance 3-5 million, inland transport 8-15 million.
Many new importers are caught off guard by unexpected DEM/DET charges. VTM Logistics always provides a detailed, itemised quote — including potential costs — so customers can plan their budget proactively. On average, save 15-20% compared to handling it yourself.
View more articles container types to choose the right type.
Container shipping cost from the port of origin to the destination port. Ocean freight rates fluctuate by season, route, carrier, and container type. The Asia — Hai Phong route ranges from 200-1,500 USD/container depending on timing.
Container handling fee at the port, collected by the port via the shipping line. THC at Hai Phong port ranges from 1,000,000 - 1,800,000 VND/container. This is a fixed fee and cannot be negotiated.
Fee for using cranes and forklifts to move containers within the port. Around 400,000 - 700,000 VND per lift. This fee may be incurred several times if the cargo is kept at the port for a long time.
Container storage fees beyond free time at the port (DEM) and at private yards (DET). Common free time is 5-7 days, then 300,000-600,000 VND/day. This is the most likely cost to arise when procedures are slow or cargo is flagged for red channel.
Customs declaration service fee if the company outsources it: 300,000-500,000 VND/set. Includes filing the declaration, monitoring the channel, and receiving the channel classification results.
Import duty depends on the HS Code of the goods (0-35% or higher). Import VAT is usually 8-10%. These two taxes account for the largest share of total import costs.
Container transport from the port to the warehouse or delivery location. Inland transport pricing depends on distance, container truck type and the nature of the cargo. Hai Phong — Hanoi ranges from 2,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/container.
DEM/DET costs are a "hidden risk" for many import shipments — just a few days late in returning containers can cost you tens of millions more. VTM Logistics always provides detailed quotes for each item so you can proactively plan your finances.
Join us now to keep up with the news and receive our latest offers!
