Shipping Goods to the USA by Sea: Advantages, Costs, and Process Explained

The United States is Vietnam’s largest export market. Therefore, the demand for shipping goods to the USA is continuously increasing. However, to ensure a smooth export process, it is necessary to have a logistics service provider that can handle customs documentation and arrange appropriate shipping schedules, ensuring goods arrive on time. Currently, 3W Logistics is one of the reputable companies in Vietnam providing ocean freight services to the USA and is trusted by many business clients.

1. What is ocean freight shipping to the USA?

Shipping goods to the USA by sea is a mode of transportation via waterways/maritime routes, using large-capacity vessels. Typically, cargo is categorized by industry (such as agricultural products, consumer goods, garments, or wood & furniture) and packed into containers with a volume of approximately 15 cubic meters. After that, the cargo is loaded onto vessels and exported to the USA.

>> See more: Container rental rates

Ocean freight shipping to the USA uses large-capacity vessels to transport cargo that has been loaded into containers with a volume of approximately 15 cubic meters

2. Overview of shipping services to the USA

Shipping services to the USA have been growing rapidly in recent years. According to the latest statistics from Vietnam Customs, export turnover to the USA reached USD 9.76 billion, up 16.6%, and the world’s largest economy continues to be Vietnam’s leading export market.

Notably, exported goods to the USA such as agricultural products, consumer goods, garments & footwear, wood & furniture, machinery, electronics, and components have all reached export values of over USD 1 billion. This contributes to improving the trade balance, stabilizing exchange rates, and making Vietnam’s economic outlook more positive.

>> See more: Standards for exporting agricultural products to Europe

Shipping services to the USA have become one of the key strengths of businesses in particular and Vietnam’s economy in general

3. What shipping methods are available for cargo to the USA?

>> See more: Ocean freight transit time

4. Advantages of ocean freight shipping to the USA

Currently, the USA is a high-potential market with continuously increasing demand for Vietnamese exports. Although there are multiple transportation options, ocean freight remains the most preferred due to the following key advantages:

– Cost efficiency: In some cases, ocean freight rates to the USA can be up to 10 times lower than air freight, with fewer additional surcharges compared to road transport.

– Ability to transport all types of cargo, including oversized, heavy-lift, industrial goods, and environmentally sensitive goods such as agricultural products, spices, tea, and coffee.

– Natural and less congested transportation routes ensure high safety, with minimal risk of accidents or collisions.

– Easy integration with multimodal transport (vessels, barges, cranes, trucks) and maritime infrastructure (ports, transshipment hubs).

– Lower import duties at seaports compared to airport customs clearance for the same type of goods.

– Reduced risk of damage or loss due to the use of secure and specialized containers.

>> See more: Cashew export procedures

5. When should you use ocean freight shipping to the USA?

Ocean freight shipping to the USA is a suitable solution for businesses exporting the following types of goods:

– Cargo weighing over 250 kg or exceeding 15 cubic meters (CBM).

– Industrial goods with large size and weight.

– Oversized and heavy-lift cargo.

– Goods restricted by air freight or postal services.

– Goods subject to high import duties if shipped by air.

– Products such as garments, handicrafts, wood & furniture, food, kitchenware, machinery, or sculptures.

5. How long does shipping to the USA take?

Besides depending on whether ocean freight or air freight is used, the shipping time to the USA also depends on the service selected by the business. Specifically:

• Express service: 3 – 5 working days.
• Fast service: 5 – 7 working days.
• Standard service: 7 – 10 working days.
• Economy service: 2 – 3 weeks.

Average ocean freight transit time to the USA is approximately 30 – 45 days

6. Shipping costs to the USA

Shipping costs to the USA are a key concern for businesses. In general, freight rates depend on several factors related to the shipment.

6.1 Factors affecting freight costs

• Type of cargo: Depending on the goods being shipped to the USA (food, clothing, footwear, bulky or lightweight cargo, special goods), shipping costs may vary.
• Destination in the USA: Shipping costs vary by state. Central areas usually have lower rates than suburban or remote areas.
• Volume/quantity: Businesses shipping in large volumes or on a regular basis may receive preferential rates, helping reduce costs and increase profitability.

6.2 How to Calculate Shipping Costs to the USA

To calculate shipping costs to the USA, businesses should base it on the transportation method (sea freight or air freight), specifically:

If shipping by sea, the cost is calculated based on the cargo volume:

• Volume = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). The unit is cubic meters (m³), and shipping costs are calculated per cubic meter.

If shipping by air, the cost is calculated based on weight, including two values:

• K1 = Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 5000.
• K2 is the actual weight of the cargo after weighing. Compare K1 and K2; whichever is higher will be used to calculate the shipping cost.

6.3 Additional Charges for Shipping to the USA

In addition to freight costs, shipping to the USA may incur extra charges. Below is a reference table of local charges for sea freight:

7. Experience in Shipping Goods to the USA

To ensure a smooth customs clearance process when shipping goods to the USA, businesses should consider the following 5 useful experiences:

7.1 Notes on Permitted and Prohibited Goods for Import into the USA

The USA is Vietnam’s largest export market, but its import regulations are extremely strict. Businesses must clearly understand which goods are permitted and prohibited to minimize risks:

– Permitted goods for shipping to the USA

• Documents under 2kg, including: records, contracts, invoices, household registration, marriage certificates, ID cards, passports, notarized documents, or guarantee papers.
• Food products, including processed agricultural goods (jam, candy, dried fruits, pickled vegetables); seafood products (dried fish, dried squid, dried shrimp, fish sauce); kitchen products (spices, chili sauce, ketchup), snacks, or Vietnamese specialties.
• Cosmetics such as nail tools, skincare, haircare, and body care products.
• Household items such as rice cookers, juicers, electronic devices, handicrafts.
• Pharmaceuticals such as eye drops, supplements, prescribed medicines (with doctor’s prescription), hygiene solutions, herbal medicine, herbal tea.

– Prohibited goods for shipping to the USA

• Stimulants such as alcohol, cannabis, opium, or drugs.
• Weapons, ammunition, or dangerous military equipment such as guns, explosives, daggers.
• Pornographic materials, inappropriate publications, or content against the government.
• Radioactive substances, biological weapons, flammable or environmentally hazardous materials.
• Vietnamese currency, foreign currency, or valuable bank-issued documents.
• Precious metals, gold, gemstones.
• Fresh food, livestock and poultry products.
• Abortion drugs, sleeping pills, self-made powder medicines.
• Smuggled goods, items without origin, or counterfeit branded products.

7.2 Proper Packaging

Due to the long geographical distance between Vietnam and the USA, goods should be carefully packed before shipping. Packaging methods vary depending on the product:

• For general goods: Pack in small bags, then place in sturdy cartons to prevent damage.
• For bulky goods: Remove unnecessary accessories and store carefully in containers.
• For fragile goods: Use wooden crates to ensure safety and prevent breakage.

7.3 Prepare Required Documents

One important experience is preparing all necessary documents for customs clearance. These include:

• Tax payment receipt;
• Invoices and documents for high-value or branded goods;
• Cargo insurance certificate (if applicable);
• Quarantine certificates, rabies vaccination records, or microchip documents for pets;
• FDA certification for food and pharmaceuticals;
• Certificate of origin (CO).

7.4 AMS & ISF Declaration

For sea freight shipments to the USA, exporters must declare AMS and ISF.

– AMS Declaration

AMS (Automated Manifest System) is an automated customs declaration system for goods entering or leaving the USA. Carriers and NVOCCs are responsible for filing AMS. Shipping lines file for Master Bills, while forwarders file for House Bills.

AMS must be declared within 48 hours before the vessel departs for the USA. The fee ranges from 25–35 USD depending on the carrier. This process is usually done via authorized systems or third-party services.

– ISF Declaration

ISF (Importer Security Filing), also known as “10+2”, is a security filing required by CBP to record import shipment details.

ISF requires 12 key pieces of information:

– Supplier/manufacturer name and address
– Exporter name and address
– Importer name and address
– Carrier name and address
– Consolidator name and address
– Container stuffing location
– Importer of record number
– Consignee number
– Country of origin
– HTS code for each product
– Vessel stow plan (for carrier)
– Container status message (for carrier)

ISF must also be submitted within 48 hours before departure. The cost is approximately 25 USD per bill of lading.

7.5 Provide Accurate Information

To avoid delays, loss, or returns, businesses should provide complete and accurate information:

• Sender’s address and phone number;
• Receiver’s address and phone number;
• Type of goods in the shipment (electronics, general goods, high-value goods, fragile items);
• Quantity and weight of the shipment.

7.6 Choose a Reliable Shipping Company

With increasing demand for shipping to the USA, choosing a reputable logistics provider is crucial. A reliable company should have transparent information, pricing, professional customer service, and strong experience in export logistics.

8. 3W Logistics – Reliable and Cost-Effective Shipping Company to the USA

With the motto “We here to serve you there”, 3W Logistics provides professional, cost-effective shipping solutions with the following advantages:

– 3W Logistics ships worldwide, with the USA as a key market. Exporting to the USA requires an FMC license, which is complex to obtain. 3W Logistics is an OTI-NVOCC with FMC license and bond, capable of issuing HBL and filing AMS/ISF using its own SCAC code, making shipments faster and easier.

– Extensive experience in exporting agricultural products, garments, consumer goods, and furniture to the USA.

– Offers cargo insurance at competitive rates to minimize risks.

Shipments to the USA are ensured to be safe, on time, and intact

– Own in-house customs team, no outsourcing required, ensuring professional and efficient handling.

– Partnerships with major carriers for competitive pricing and stable service.

– Has agents in the USA to quickly handle customer issues.

– Transparent shipping process with tracking schedules provided to customers.

9. Shipping Process to the USA at 3W Logistics

3W Logistics ensures a transparent shipping process with the following 10 steps:

• Step 1: Contract negotiation and signing.
• Step 2: Booking with the carrier.
• Step 3: Deliver goods to the port.
• Step 4: Export customs clearance.
• Step 5: Issue Bill of Lading – Send & receive documents.
• Step 6: Customs declaration (AMS) and security filing (ISF) – mandatory 48 hours before vessel departure.
• Step 7: Arrival notice.
• Step 8: Delivery order issuance.
• Step 9: Import customs clearance.
• Step 10: Final delivery to consignee.

Contact 3W Logistics for detailed consultation on shipping services to the USA.