Frequently Asked Questions

To export coffee to the European Union (EU) market, businesses must meet requirements regarding product quality, food safety, traceability, and packaging and labeling regulations according to EU standards. Additionally, businesses must comply with regulations related to sustainable development, including the deforestation-free regulation (EUDR) for applicable shipments. Proper preparation of export documentation, necessary certificates, and selecting a reputable logistics partner will facilitate customs clearance and delivery.

Choose Full Container Load (FCL) for large shipments (typically 15 CBM or more) or when you require high security and exclusive container use. Choose Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller shipments (under 15 CBM) to share container space and optimize ocean freight costs.

A 20ft container holds up to 28-30 CBM and 25-28 tons of cargo. A 40ft container holds up to 56-58 CBM and 26-28 tons. A 40HC (High Cube) container holds up to 65-68 CBM and 26-28 tons. However, local road transit safety weight limits in Vietnam are recommended under 20-25 tons of cargo to avoid overloading fines.

Export charges include: THC (Terminal Handling Charge), Seal fee, Bill of Lading fee, Telex Release (if applicable), and CFS fee (for LCL). Import charges include: THC, D/O (Delivery Order) fee, Container Cleaning fee, CIC (Container Imbalance Charge), and Handling fee.

LCL freight is calculated using the W/M (Weight or Measurement) rule, where 1 CBM equals 1,000 kg (1 Ton) in ocean shipping. The rate is calculated for both actual volume and actual weight, and the higher of the two values is applied as the chargeable unit.

You need to prepare: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Booking Note. Each cargo package must be clearly labeled with a Shipping Mark to prevent mixing or misrouting during CFS warehouse consolidation.

Reefer containers are equipped with electrical refrigeration units to maintain a preset temperature. Shippers must specify the exact temperature, ventilation setting, and humidity, and ensure the cargo is pre-cooled to the required temperature before loading.

Cargo rolling occurs when a container is not loaded onto the scheduled vessel due to overbooking, vessel delays, or customs clearance issues. SeaAir proactively negotiates with the carrier to transfer the container to the next available sailing and attempts to waive any demurrage charges if caused by the line.

Demurrage (DEM) is the charge for keeping a container inside the port terminal past the free time. Detention (DET) is the charge for keeping a container at the shipper's warehouse past the allowed return window. Storage is paid directly to the port for land usage. SeaAir assists in negotiating extended combined free time (e.g., 7-14 days).

OOG cargo is typically shipped using Flat Rack containers (no side walls or roof, fold-down end walls) or Open Top containers (removable canvas roof). SeaAir assesses the protrusion dimensions to secure the correct equipment and calculate extra freight based on lost slots on the vessel.

The steps are: Pick up the container release order at the depot, inspect the empty container for leaks/damage/smell, transport it to the warehouse for loading, apply the customs seal, return the full container to the port terminal before the cut-off time, and submit the cleared customs declaration.

SeaAir Global maintains strong, long-term partnerships with major global container carriers including ONE, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, Maersk, Yang Ming, OOCL, Wan Hai, and HMM. This network allows us to secure competitive ocean freight rates and stable space allocation during peak shipping seasons.

CY/CY (Container Yard to Container Yard) refers to Full Container Load (FCL) shipping where a full container is received at the origin port yard and delivered as a full container to the destination port yard. CFS/CFS (Container Freight Station to Container Freight Station) applies to LCL shipments consolidated and deconsolidated at cargo warehouses.

Air freight is based on Chargeable Weight. The volumetric weight formula is: Length x Width x Height (cm) / 6,000 (or / 5,000 for express services). The chargeable weight is the greater of the actual gross weight and the calculated volumetric weight.

Choose Air Express for urgent shipments (1-3 days transit time) such as documents, urgent spare parts, or high-value items. Choose Air Economy (4-7 days transit) to save costs through consolidation flights or transit routings with connections.

Prohibited items include explosives, flammables, compressed gases, and aerosols. Restricted items requiring an MSDS approval include lithium batteries, liquids, chemicals, and magnetic goods. SeaAir assists in reviewing MSDS sheets free of charge before booking.

An Air Waybill (AWB) is a non-negotiable transport document. MAWB (Master AWB) is issued by the airline to the freight forwarder. HAWB (House AWB) is issued by the forwarder to the shipper/consignee. End clients use the HAWB for customs clearance and collection.

Air cargo must be packed in sturdy cardboard boxes, and heavy loads should be placed on pallets (wood pallets must be fumigated/heat-treated if shipping to countries like USA, EU, or Australia). Fragile items require proper cushioning and a visible "Fragile" label.

The steps include: Delivering cargo to the airport terminal, checking physical weight and dimensions, performing X-ray security screening, applying security seals, and loading the cargo into air cargo containers or pallets (ULD) before loading onto the plane.

Yes, SeaAir handles perishable cargo via air. Perishables must be packed in leak-proof containers (typically thick foam boxes securely taped), using dry ice or gel packs for cooling. Wet ice is strictly prohibited to prevent aircraft corrosion.

Common air local charges include: AWB (Air Waybill) issuance fee, MYC (Fuel Surcharge), SCC (Security Charge), Terminal Handling Charge (THC) at the airport warehouse, and destination manifest filing fees (like AMS, ENS, or AFR for USA, Europe, or Japan).

SeaAir Global operates a diverse fleet: light trucks (1.5 to 8 tons) for city delivery, box trucks for cargo protection, heavy-duty container tractors (20ft/40ft) serving key ports, and specialized flatbed trailers for oversized project cargo.

All SeaAir vehicles are equipped with 24/7 active GPS tracking devices. Clients can request real-time location and route updates. Import/export container shipments are secured with official shipping line or customs seals throughout the journey.

Yes, SeaAir offers loading and unloading services at both origin and destination warehouses. We can provide manual labor or specialized equipment (forklifts, cranes for heavy cargo) based on the client's specific quote requests.

Standard North-South road transport in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and vice versa) typically takes between 60 to 72 hours (approx. 2.5 to 3 days) for express trucks using Highway 1A.

Yes, SeaAir provides cross-border trucking. Transit to Phnom Penh (Cambodia) takes 1-2 days via Moc Bai border. Transit to Laos takes 3-5 days via central borders like Lao Bao or Cau Treo. We handle customs formalities on both sides of the borders.

SeaAir Global is an officially licensed Customs Broker in Vietnam under Decision No. 969/QĐ-TCHQ. This license allows us to sign and stamp customs declarations directly on behalf of importers/exporters, reducing legal risks and speeding up clearance.

The steps are: 1. Prepare documents (Invoice, Packing List, C/O, licenses if applicable). 2. Submit declaration via ECUS5 VNACCS. 3. Receive customs channel (Green/Yellow/Red). 4. Pay duties and VAT. 5. Document review or physical inspection at port. 6. Obtain customs release and deliver cargo.

Green Channel: Automatic clearance upon duty payment, no inspection of documents or cargo. Yellow Channel: Paperwork review required by a customs officer. Red Channel: Full paperwork review and physical inspection of the cargo inside the container at the port terminal.

An HS Code is an 8-digit code (in Vietnam) used to classify international trade goods for customs duty and import policy. Determining the correct code requires technical catalogs, material composition, and usage. SeaAir provides free HS classification review before filing.

The main taxes are: Import Duty (ranging from 0% to over 30% based on HS Code, lower with preferential C/O), Import Value-Added Tax (VAT, typically 8% or 10%), and special taxes if applicable (Excise Tax, Environmental Protection Tax, Anti-Dumping Duty).

A C/O proves the origin of goods from countries that signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Vietnam, qualifying the shipment for preferential lower duty rates. Key forms include: Form E (ASEAN-China), Form D (ASEAN), Form VK (Vietnam-Korea), and EUR.1 (EVFTA).

You need: C/O application form, cleared export customs declaration, Bill of Lading (B/L), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and manufacturing proof (local raw material invoices, import declarations of raw materials, and production process descriptions).

Specialized inspection (KTCN) is a pre-clearance check by government ministries regarding quality, safety, or quarantine. Items requiring inspection include: foodstuffs (Ministry of Health), household electronics (Ministry of Science & Technology), and animal feed (MARD).

Importers must declare the actual transaction value supported by contract, invoice, and bank payment slip (T/T or L/C). Declaring values significantly lower than the customs price database will trigger a post-clearance valuation consultation.

Yes. Declarations can be amended (using AMA process) if errors are found before customs starts document inspection. Declarations can be cancelled in designated cases, such as incorrect import/export type codes or if 15 days pass without clearance activity.

The steps are: 1. Register a phytosanitary profile on the National Single Window portal. 2. Submit the quarantine application. 3. Officers collect physical samples at the warehouse or port. 4. Lab tests confirm clearance. 5. Issue the Phytosanitary Certificate.

Non-commercial goods do not require a bank payment receipt or sales contract. However, they must still be classified with correct HS Codes, and a reasonable customs value must be declared. Import duties and VAT still apply if value exceeds tax-exempt thresholds.

Goods exceeding standard container dimensions (OOG) or with heavy-lift weights exceeding standard road transit limits. Examples: large industrial machinery, silos, wind turbine blades, steel structures. Handling requires lowboy trailers, heavy cranes, and special permits.

The direct port-to-port ocean transit time from Cat Lai to Singapore is very fast, taking only 2 to 3 days. However, for LCL cargo, we recommend adding 2-3 days for warehouse consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination.

The direct sea freight service from Shanghai Port to Cat Lai Port typically takes 5 to 7 days. Sailings on this lane are highly frequent, averaging 3 to 4 departures per week.

Direct ocean service from Cai Mep Port to the US West Coast (Los Angeles or Long Beach) takes about 17 to 21 days. If shipping via transit routes with transshipment at a third port, it may take 25 to 30 days.

Ocean shipping from Vietnam to the US East Coast (New York, Savannah) takes longer than the West Coast, averaging 28 to 35 days via the Panama or Suez Canal, depending on the alliance scheduling.

Standard direct ocean transit to Rotterdam Port typically takes 30 to 35 days. However, routing adjustments around the Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea security incidents can add an extra 10 to 14 days.

Direct/Express air freight typically takes 2 to 3 days. For economical air freight service with transshipment (Air Economy/Transit), the total transit time ranges from 5 to 7 days.

Ocean shipping from Vietnam to main Japanese ports (Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe) is relatively fast, taking about 7 to 10 days using direct services.

The direct sea transit time from Vietnam ports (Cat Lai/Cai Mep) to South Korea (Busan or Incheon) is typically 5 to 7 days.

Total Lead Time = Cargo pickup (1-2 days) + Export clearance (1 day) + Ocean/Air transit + Import clearance (1-2 days) + Last-mile delivery (1 day). We recommend adding a 2-4 day buffer for ocean shipments.

FOB (Free on Board): Seller pays local costs and bears risk until cargo is loaded onto the vessel at origin. Buyer pays freight and bears sea transit risk. CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): Seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port, but risk transfers to the buyer upon cargo loading at origin.

EXW (Ex Works): Maximum responsibility on the buyer (collects cargo from seller's warehouse, handles all shipping and customs). DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Minimum responsibility on the buyer (seller handles all shipping, customs clearance, and pays import duties).

A B/L is a ocean cargo transport document, acting as a cargo receipt, carriage contract, and document of title. Common types include: Original B/L (requires physical paper presentation to release cargo), Telex Release (electronic release at destination), and Seaway Bill (instant release without B/L document).

It is a digital release instruction. The origin port agent sends an electronic notification to the destination port to release cargo without presenting the physical Original B/L. Use it for short-haul sea transit (cargo arrives before physical bills do) or when trade partners trust each other.

An MSDS is a safety data sheet providing information on chemical composition, hazards, packaging, and emergency measures. Shipping lines and airlines require this document to review and approve chemical/battery cargo to ensure safety in transit.

It is not legally mandatory (unless agreed under CIF/CIP terms). However, it is highly recommended to protect goods against damage, sinking, or general average. The premium is typically: Invoice Value x 110% x Rate (rate is low, usually between 0.05% to 0.2%).

VGM is the certified total gross mass of a packed container (cargo weight plus container tare weight). It is mandatory under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) SOLAS Convention to ensure safety and prevent overloading on vessels.

Shipper: The party exporting/sending the cargo. Consignee: The party importing/receiving the cargo (or the bank holding the title). Notify Party: The party contacted by the shipping line when the vessel arrives to coordinate clearance (typically a forwarder).

You can enter the container number (4 letters and 7 digits) or the Bill of Lading (B/L) number on the carrying shipping line's tracking portal, or use SeaAir Global's tracking page to check the full schedule and current milestones.

You can input your cargo details into the "Get Quote" form on our website, send an email directly to sales@seaairglobal.com.vn, or call our Hotline at (+84) 938 975 329 to receive a customized quote within 24 hours.

Go to the "Track Shipment" page on the SeaAir Global website menu, enter the internal tracking code or the master ocean B/L or Air AWB number provided by us to view the real-time movement and delivery milestones.

We serve a wide range of industries including Electronics & Components, Textiles & Footwear, Frozen Seafood & Agriculture, Industrial Machinery, Furniture, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and chemicals with verified MSDS.

Yes. SeaAir's team is fully certified and trained under IMDG (ocean) and IATA DG (air) standards. We assist shippers with hazardous declarations and shipping procedures for DG classes 1 through 9.

We accept Bank Wire Transfer (T/T) and Letter of Credit (L/C) for international shipments. For corporate clients with consistent shipment volumes and active service contracts, we offer flexible credit term policies.

Yes, SeaAir Global provides complete end-to-end Door-to-Door services for both import and export. This includes cargo pickup, export customs, international sea/air freight, import customs at destination, and final delivery.

For rice exports, shippers usually need a commercial invoice, packing list, contract, bill of lading, certificate of origin where applicable, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate if required, and clear packing/container-loading details. Before booking, confirm the India destination port, payment terms, plant-quarantine requirements, sailing schedule, free time, moisture control, and packaging condition to reduce mold, bag damage, or inspection risks.

Coffee exports to Europe usually move by ocean FCL when the shipment volume can fill a container and cost control matters. LCL is suitable for samples, smaller orders, or split buyers, but packaging and odor contamination must be controlled. Air freight is normally reserved for samples, urgent cargo, or high-value lots because the cost per kg is much higher. Check C/O, phytosanitary requirements, packaging standards, moisture, and sailing schedules before quoting.

Lithium batteries and battery-powered devices are controlled under IATA DGR. Shippers need to identify the battery type, Wh rating or lithium content, battery condition, packing method, warning labels, MSDS/SDS, UN38.3 when required by the airline, and whether the goods are batteries only, packed with equipment, or contained in equipment. SeaAir must review documents before booking because not every airline or route accepts this cargo.

Chemicals or dangerous goods require at least the latest MSDS/SDS, trade name, composition, UN number if any, hazard class, packing group, packaging photos, net/gross weight, and packing method. Ocean shipments may need a DG declaration under IMDG; air shipments must be checked against IATA DGR. Even if the MSDS indicates non-DG, the carrier may still request a non-DG confirmation before acceptance.

Agricultural, fruit, and food exports require checks on quarantine rules, import permits at destination, phytosanitary or health certificates, storage temperature, shelf life, packaging, labels, and transit schedule. For reefer shipments, cargo should be pre-cooled before loading. For air freight, airport cut-off, screening, and packaging requirements must be checked early.

Many countries require wooden packaging, pallets, or crates to comply with ISPM 15, with a valid HT/MB mark or fumigation certificate depending on the market. Non-compliant wood packaging may cause holds, re-treatment, penalties, or return shipment. When requesting a quote, shippers should tell SeaAir whether pallets or wooden crates are used so destination requirements can be checked.

For oversized or heavy machinery, provide dimensions and weight per package, cargo photos, lifting points, center of gravity if available, technical drawings, pickup/delivery addresses, lifting/crane requirements, and cargo ready date. SeaAir will assess packing, special trucking, flat rack/open top or breakbulk options, road permits, and extra costs from lost slots.

Personal effects may not have a commercial invoice like business cargo, but they still need a detailed packing list, shipper/consignee details, shipment purpose, personal documents if required at destination, and confirmation that no prohibited items are included. Some countries strictly inspect used goods, food, medicine, batteries, cosmetics, or wooden items. SeaAir can review documents and risk before shipment.

Frozen goods, seafood, or temperature-controlled cargo should move by air when speed, high value, or short shelf life is the priority. Reefer containers are better for larger volumes, flexible schedules, and cost control. Confirm temperature setting, pre-cooling status, packaging, dry ice/gel pack if moving by air, health/quarantine certificates, and cold-chain handling at destination.

Samples, exhibition cargo, or urgent shipments usually fit air express or air freight economy depending on deadline and budget. Provide required arrival date, cargo value, dimensions/weight, temporary import/re-export requirements for exhibitions, and supporting documents. If the cargo includes batteries, liquids, cosmetics, food, or chemicals, restrictions must be checked before acceptance.

For a faster and more accurate quote, send the exact commodity name, HS code if available, package count, dimensions, gross weight, CBM, cargo/packaging photos, Incoterm, pickup/delivery points, cargo ready date, temperature or DG requirements if any, and documents such as MSDS, quarantine certificates, or C/O. This helps SeaAir select the right mode, assess customs risk, and estimate additional costs.