Who provides air freight forwarding services from Vietnam to the US?

Finding reliable air freight services from Vietnam feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. With hundreds of forwarders making bold claims but few delivering consistent results, businesses struggle to identify trustworthy logistics partners.

Numerous companies provide air freight forwarding from Vietnam to the US, including global providers like DHL Global Forwarding, FedEx, UPS, and DB Schenker, alongside specialized Vietnamese forwarders such as Vietlink Global, JojoShip Vietnam, FNM Vietnam, Dimerco, and SAS Vietnam. These companies offer various service levels from express to standard air cargo.

The air freight market between Vietnam and the United States has grown substantially as manufacturing shifts to Vietnam. This growth has attracted both international logistics giants and specialized local providers who compete to offer the best balance of speed, reliability, and cost.

What is the cheapest way to ship from Vietnam to USA?

Shipping costs from Vietnam can quickly eat into your profit margins. Many businesses overpay by choosing the wrong shipping method or working with forwarders who add unnecessary markups and hidden fees.

Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from Vietnam to the USA, with FCL (Full Container Load) averaging $2,500-4,500 per container and LCL (Less than Container Load) ranging from $30-60 per cubic meter. For smaller shipments under 100kg, consolidated air freight can be more economical at $5-8 per kg than express courier services.

The cost difference between shipping methods from Vietnam to the USA is substantial, making it critical to choose the right option based on your specific needs and constraints.

Comparing Shipping Methods from Vietnam to USA

When looking for the most cost-effective shipping option, several factors come into play including shipment size, urgency, and product type. I've helped hundreds of clients navigate these choices, and the price differences can be dramatic.

Cost Comparison by Shipping Method

Shipping Method	Transit Time	Cost Range	Best For
Sea Freight (FCL)	30-40 days	$2,500-4,500 per 40ft container	Large, non-urgent shipments
Sea Freight (LCL)	35-45 days	$30-60 per cubic meter	Medium-sized, non-urgent shipments
Standard Air Freight	5-8 days	$5-8 per kg	Medium-sized, somewhat urgent shipments
Express Air Freight	3-5 days	$8-15 per kg	Urgent, time-sensitive shipments
Express Courier	1-3 days	$15-30 per kg	Small, highly urgent packages

I remember helping a client who was spending nearly $2,000 monthly shipping samples via express courier. By switching to consolidated air freight¹, we cut their costs by 60% while only adding one extra day to transit times. The savings were substantial enough that they increased their sample shipment frequency.

Hidden Costs to Consider

The base shipping rate is just one component of your total cost. To truly find the cheapest option, you need to account for:

1. Customs Clearance Fees²: $100-300 per shipment
2. Document Processing: $50-150
3. Warehouse Handling: $0.10-0.30 per kg
4. Insurance: 0.3%-0.5% of cargo value
5. Destination Charges: $100-500 depending on service

Many businesses focus solely on the freight rate but overlook these additional costs. I've seen cases where a seemingly cheaper rate became more expensive once all fees were included. This is why working with transparent forwarders who provide all-inclusive quotes is crucial.

Cost Optimization Strategies

Based on my experience managing Vietnam-US shipping routes, here are effective ways to reduce costs:

• Consolidate Shipments: Combining multiple small shipments into one larger shipment
• Negotiate Annual Contracts: Securing fixed rates for consistent shipping volume
• Optimize Packaging: Reducing dimensional weight through efficient packing
• Route Planning: Some routes (like HCMC to LAX) are cheaper than others due to better capacity
• Timing Shipments: Avoiding peak shipping seasons like Chinese New Year

I worked with a fashion retailer importing from Vietnam who saved 22% on annual shipping costs by consolidating weekly air shipments into larger bi-weekly shipments and optimizing their packaging to reduce dimensional weight.

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Who is the largest Vietnam air freight forwarder?

The Vietnamese freight market feels overwhelming with competing claims about size and capability. Without insider knowledge, you risk partnering with companies that lack the network, capacity, or experience to handle your shipments effectively.

DHL Global Forwarding is the largest air freight forwarder operating in Vietnam, followed by DB Schenker and Kuehne+Nagel. Among Vietnamese-owned companies, Vietjet Cargo, Vietnam Airlines Cargo, and Vietlink Global handle the highest air freight volumes, with extensive networks throughout Vietnam and international connections.

The air freight forwarding market in Vietnam is dominated by a mix of international logistics giants³ and strong local players. Understanding this landscape helps you identify partners with the right capabilities for your specific needs.

Vietnam's Air Freight Forwarding Landscape

The air freight market in Vietnam has evolved rapidly as the country has grown into a manufacturing powerhouse. Based on my experience working within this market, here's a breakdown of the key players:

Top International Air Freight Forwarders in Vietnam

Company	Vietnam Presence	Specializations	Market Strength
DHL Global Forwarding4	Offices in HCMC, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang	Time-definite services, pharma logistics	Extensive global network, reliable schedules
DB Schenker Vietnam	6 locations across Vietnam	High-tech, retail, industrial	Strong European connections
Kuehne+Nagel Vietnam	4 offices nationwide	Fashion, electronics, perishables	Advanced tracking systems
DSV Vietnam	HCMC and Hanoi	Automotive, industrial, retail	Competitive rates on major routes
FedEx/TNT	Nationwide service	Express, small parcel, valuable cargo	Door-to-door integrated service

These international players bring global standards and extensive networks to their Vietnam operations. When I needed to ship urgent electronics components from Hanoi to Chicago, DHL's twice-daily flights and integrated customs clearance saved us from a potential production stoppage.

Leading Vietnamese Air Freight Forwarders

Company	Main Hub	Notable Strengths	Typical Clients
Vietjet Cargo	HCMC	Extensive domestic network, competitive pricing	SMEs, e-commerce businesses
Vietnam Airlines Cargo5	Hanoi	Wide-body aircraft capacity, direct US routes	Large exporters, government contracts
Vietlink Global6	HCMC	Personalized service, flexibility	Medium-sized manufacturers
JojoShip Vietnam	HCMC/Hanoi	Door-to-door service, customs expertise	US-focused exporters, SMEs
FNM Vietnam	HCMC	Digital platform, transparent pricing	Tech companies, e-commerce

The advantage of working with Vietnamese forwarders is often their deeper local knowledge and flexibility. I've partnered with local forwarders who arranged pickup from remote factory locations that international companies couldn't service efficiently.

Market Share and Specialization

While exact market share figures are closely guarded, industry estimates suggest:

• International forwarders handle roughly 65-70% of Vietnam's international air freight
• Vietnamese companies control about 30-35%, with strength in specific corridors
• Specialized niche players focus on particular industries like textiles, electronics, or perishables

I've found that size isn't always the determining factor in forwarder selection. Some of the largest forwarders excel at high-volume standard shipments but lack flexibility for unique requirements. Conversely, mid-sized specialists often provide more attentive service for particular industries or routes.

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How much does air freight cost per kg Vietnam to the USA?

Unpredictable air freight rates make budgeting nearly impossible. Many businesses receive quotes that suddenly increase at shipping time or discover hidden surcharges that weren't disclosed upfront, leading to budget overruns.

Air freight rates from Vietnam to the USA typically range from $5-15 per kilogram depending on service level, weight breaks, and current market conditions. Express services cost $8-15/kg, standard air freight ranges from $5-8/kg, and deferred services average $4-6/kg. Rates increase for smaller shipments and during peak seasons.

Air freight pricing between Vietnam and the USA follows a complex structure influenced by numerous factors. Understanding these variables helps shippers anticipate costs and plan accordingly.

Air Freight Pricing Components and Variables

Having managed hundreds of air shipments from Vietnam to the US, I've seen firsthand how rates fluctuate based on multiple factors. Here's a breakdown of what influences your per-kilogram price:

Weight Break Pricing Structure

Air freight rates typically decrease as shipment weight increases:

Shipment Weight	Average Rate (Standard Service)	Average Rate (Express Service)
Under 45kg	$10-15 per kg	$15-25 per kg
45-100kg	$8-10 per kg	$12-18 per kg
100-300kg	$7-9 per kg	$10-15 per kg
300-500kg	$6-8 per kg	$9-12 per kg
500kg+	$5-7 per kg	$8-10 per kg
1000kg+	$4-6 per kg	$7-9 per kg

This tiered structure explains why consolidating multiple small shipments often yields significant savings. I worked with an apparel client who reduced their per-kilogram rate by 38% simply by consolidating three weekly 40kg shipments into one 120kg weekly shipment.

Route-Specific Pricing

Not all US destinations are priced equally when shipping from Vietnam:

1. Primary Gateways (LAX, JFK, ORD): Most competitive rates
2. Secondary Gateways (ATL, DFW, IAH): Slightly higher rates
3. Regional Airports: Highest rates, often requiring trucking from major hubs

The difference between shipping to Los Angeles versus shipping to a smaller airport like Portland or Nashville can be $1-3 per kilogram. For recurring shipments, this route optimization becomes a significant cost factor.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Vietnam-US air freight rates experience predictable seasonal patterns:

• January-February (pre-Lunar New Year): Rates spike 30-50% above baseline
• March-June: Generally stable rates
• July-October: Gradual increase for peak shipping season
• November-December: Holiday season peak, 20-40% above baseline

I always advise clients to build these seasonal variations into their budgets. One electronics manufacturer I work with intentionally increases inventory levels before Lunar New Year to avoid the premium rates during that period.

Additional Cost Factors

Beyond the base kg rate, several factors affect your total air freight cost:

1. Fuel Surcharges⁷: Currently ranging from 15-25% of the base rate
2. Security Surcharges⁸: $0.15-0.30 per kg
3. Handling Fees: $50-150 per shipment
4. Dimensional Weight⁹: Charged when cargo is light but bulky
5. Peak Season Surcharges¹⁰: Additional $0.50-2.00 per kg during high demand periods

These add-ons can significantly impact your final price. I recently helped a client who was consistently being charged dimensional weight that was 40% higher than their actual weight due to inefficient packaging. Redesigning their cartons saved thousands of dollars monthly.

Real-World Example

To illustrate how these factors combine, consider a recent shipment I managed:

• 250kg of apparel from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles
• Standard air freight service
• Base rate: $7.50 per kg
• Fuel surcharge: 18% ($1.35 per kg)
• Security fee: $0.20 per kg
• Handling: $75 flat fee
• Total: $9.05 per kg plus handling ($2,337.50 total)

The same shipment during peak season would have cost approximately $10-11 per kg. By timing non-urgent shipments for off-peak periods, my clients typically save 15-20% on their air freight expenses.

With JojoShip Vietnam, we provide transparent quotes that include all these components upfront, helping our clients avoid surprise costs and budget accurately for their Vietnam-US air freight needs.

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Conclusion

Many reliable freight forwarders provide air cargo services from Vietnam to the US, ranging from global logistics giants to specialized local providers. By understanding service options, pricing structures, and seasonal variations, you can select the right partner for your specific shipping needs while optimizing costs and transit times.