Breakdown of local charges at Vietnamese ports: updated guide for 2025

When doing business with Vietnam through international shipping, understanding local charges is essential. These charges, collected at the port of origin or destination, can significantly affect your total logistics cost. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, or freight forwarder, grasping how local charges work at Vietnamese ports will help you budget more accurately and avoid unnecessary delays.

In this guide, we’ll explore the concept of local charges, provide an overview of major ports in Vietnam, and help you navigate the logistics process more confidently.

What are local charges?

Local charges refer to a variety of fees that are billed at the port of loading or discharge, separate from the main freight rate. These fees are paid either by the shipper (for exports) or consignee (for imports), depending on the Incoterms agreed upon in the contract.

Some common examples of local charges include:

→Terminal Handling Charge (THC)

→Delivery Order Fee (D/O Fee)

→Customs Clearance Fee

→Container Cleaning Fee

→Document Handling Fee

→Port Security Charge

→E-Manifest Fee

→Other service charges (depending on the specific logistics provider or port)

These charges are not standardized globally and vary by country, port, and shipping line, which makes local knowledge extremely valuable.

Major seaports in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to several strategic ports that handle the majority of its international trade. Understanding the differences between these ports can help you plan your logistics operations more efficiently.

Hai Phong Port (HPH)

Hai Phong Port is the largest seaport in Northern Vietnam and serves as a key gateway for cargo entering or leaving Hanoi and surrounding industrial zones. It handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk, and project shipments. Due to its strategic location, Hai Phong is ideal for businesses operating in northern industrial parks such as Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Ha Nam, Vinh Phuc, Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, Thai Nguyen, and Hai Duong.

Ho Chi Minh / Cai Mep Ports (HCM)

In Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Port and the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-water port complex are the main hubs. While Ho Chi Minh Port is located close to the city center and primarily handles feeder vessels, Cai Mep is one of the few ports in Vietnam capable of accommodating large mother vessels.

Cai Mep is gaining importance as a transshipment hub, helping reduce reliance on ports in Singapore or Hong Kong. Many exporters in Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An prefer Cai Mep due to its proximity and efficiency.

Local charges breakdown at Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh seaport

Local charges differ by carrier. Fastrans offers benchmark rates based on Vietnam’s market standards to support your cost planning.

Export local charges

Import local charges

Looking for a reliable shipping agent in Vietnam? Contact Fastrans immediately

Navigating local charges and port procedures in Vietnam can be challenging, especially for newcomers to the market. That’s where Fastrans comes in.

With deep expertise in air and sea freight, customs documentation, and local charge management, Fastrans provides tailored solutions that help you save time and control costs. Whether you’re dealing with full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), our experienced team ensures your shipments are handled efficiently and transparently.

Get in touch with Fastrans today to receive expert support and optimized shipping solutions across Vietnam’s ports.