Bulk Dried Fruit Orders: Shipping, Documentation, and Logistics Guide
- Thao Nguyen
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: May 9
When sourcing dried fruit in bulk from Vietnam, international buyers must navigate logistics, shipping terms, and documentation to ensure a smooth import process. From packaging and container load planning to customs compliance, every step matters to maintain product quality and avoid delays. This guide outlines the essential logistics and paperwork involved in large-scale dried fruit shipments.
Shipping Options for Bulk Dried Fruit Orders
Vietnamese suppliers typically offer multiple shipping terms to suit the needs of global buyers:
Shipping Term | Description | Best For |
FOB (Free on Board) | Supplier delivers goods to port, buyer arranges freight | Experienced importers with forwarders |
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) | Supplier handles shipping to destination port | Buyers seeking simple coordination |
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Supplier handles full delivery, including customs | Small/medium buyers needing full service |
Common Ports of Departure in Vietnam:
Cat Lai Port (HCMC) – Most common for southern factory exports
Cai Mep Port (Ba Ria–Vung Tau) – Deep-water port for full containers
Hai Phong Port – For shipments from northern suppliers
Packaging & Container Load Planning
For large-volume dried fruit exports, proper packaging ensures shelf life and transportation safety:
Inner Packaging: Vacuum-sealed PE or PA bags (1kg, 5kg, 10kg)
Outer Carton: 5-ply export-grade cartons, labeled with batch code & production date
Palletized Load (Optional): Euro or standard pallets, shrink-wrapped for container stability
Container Optimization Examples:
Container Size | Approx. Quantity |
20ft FCL | ~7–8 metric tons (palletized) |
40ft FCL | ~16–18 metric tons (palletized) |
LCL (Less-than-container) | Flexible for <3 tons, higher cost/kg |
Tip: Request a container loading plan or mock-up photo before shipment.
Required Export Documentation
Vietnamese exporters should provide a full set of documents for customs clearance and food safety compliance:
Commercial Invoice – Lists product, value, HS code, buyer/seller details
Packing List – Describes packaging units, net/gross weight, dimensions
Bill of Lading (B/L) – Confirms shipment ownership and transport terms
Certificate of Origin (C/O) – Often required for tariff reduction in target markets
Phytosanitary Certificate – Confirms product is pest/disease free
Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Lab test results for moisture, heavy metals, microbes
Export Health Certificate / Free Sale Certificate – Required by some countries for food imports
Organic / Halal / Kosher Certificates (if applicable) – Depends on buyer’s market
Buyers should confirm document requirements based on their destination country’s import regulations.
Lead Time and Shipping Duration
Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
Production Time | 10–25 days depending on volume & customization |
Export Documentation Prep | 3–5 days after production |
Ocean Shipping | 7–28 days (varies by destination) |
Customs Clearance (Buyer) | 2–7 days depending on country |
Total Lead Time: Usually 4–7 weeks from order confirmation to port delivery.
Working with a Freight Forwarder
Buyers can either:
Use their own forwarder to control cost and coordination
Request the supplier to recommend a trusted local shipping agent
Choose CIF/DDP terms to simplify freight and focus on customs clearance only
Good communication between buyer, supplier, and forwarder is crucial to avoid shipment delays or documentation errors.
Conclusion
Successful bulk dried fruit sourcing from Vietnam involves more than just product selection. Understanding logistics, packaging, and documentation helps importers minimize risk, protect product quality, and streamline customs processes. By partnering with experienced and export-ready suppliers, global buyers can ensure reliable supply chains and on-time delivery.
If you're looking for a logistics-savvy supplier, Mekong International offers complete support for bulk shipments, including export documentation and freight coordination.
MEKONG INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
Contact Name: Mr. Ninh Tran
Phone: +84 909 722 866 (Phone / Whatsapp / Wechat)
Email: ninhtran@mekongint.com
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