Container rates on the transpacific route can double or halve within a few months. Knowing how a rate is built — and which parts you can influence — is the best defence against overpaying.
Anatomy of an ocean freight quote
| Component | What it covers | Can you influence it? |
|---|---|---|
| Base ocean freight | Port-to-port carriage | Yes — timing, contract vs spot |
| BAF / fuel surcharge | Bunker fuel cost changes | Little |
| GRI / PSS | General rate increases, peak season surcharge | Yes — book earlier |
| Origin charges (THC, docs, seal) | Terminal handling in Vietnam | Little |
| Destination charges | US terminal handling, chassis, port fees | Partly |
| Drayage / inland | Port to warehouse trucking or rail | Yes — choose the port |
| Demurrage & detention | Late pickup or container return | Yes — be ready |
Why rates move
- Supply and demand: carrier capacity versus US import volumes.
- Seasonality: peaks before Tết and in the third quarter. See the peak season calendar.
- Disruptions: route diversions, canal restrictions and port congestion. See global supply chain disruptions.
- Policy: tariff announcements often trigger rushes to ship before deadlines.
7 ways to reduce your ocean freight cost
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead in normal months, 6–8 weeks before peaks.
- Fill the container: optimise carton sizes and loading plans; moving from LCL to FCL can cut cost per unit sharply.
- Pick the right US port: West Coast plus rail can beat an all-water East Coast route — or the opposite — depending on the final destination.
- Be flexible on sailing dates: a week's flexibility often unlocks lower rates.
- Use a forwarder with contract rates on your lane instead of spot booking each shipment.
- Avoid D&D charges: have customs data, ISF and delivery appointments ready before arrival.
- Review Incoterms: controlling the freight yourself (FOB vs EXW, DDP vs DDU) can improve both price and visibility.
Typical transit times from Ho Chi Minh City
- Los Angeles / Long Beach: about 18–25 days port to port
- Seattle / Tacoma, Oakland: about 20–26 days
- New York, Savannah, Houston: about 30–40 days
We compare carriers and routings for every shipment to the US and Canada. See our USA & Canada service or request today's rate.