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The Most Common Types of Trucks in Vietnam’s Transport and Key Considerations for Safe Shipping
By VICO Logistics Provider
vico


Table of Contents 

Introduction to Vietnam’s Trucking Industry 

Why Trucking is Essential for Businesses in Vietnam 

The Most Common Types of Trucks in Vietnam’s Domestic Transport 

VICO Vietnam Trucking Services: Complete Supply Chain Support 

Key Considerations When Choosing a Trucking Provider in Vietnam 

Enhanced Security and Compliance: GPS Tracking, Padlocks, and CTPAT Standards 

Conclusion 

FAQs 

1. Introduction to Vietnam’s Trucking Industry 

Vietnam’s trucking industry has become the lifeline of the national and cross-border supply chain. With a population of nearly 100 million and a rapidly expanding economy, trucking plays an irreplaceable role in connecting factories, farms, ports, and consumers. Unlike rail or sea transport, which require fixed routes and schedules, trucking provides door-to-door flexibility, making it the preferred logistics mode for both domestic distribution and international trade. 

Vietnam’s geography gives it a strategic advantage: it shares land borders with China, Cambodia, and Laos, while also serving as a gateway to ASEAN. Trucks are used not only to move goods across provinces—from Đắk Lắk and Bình Phước to Hà Nội, Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, and Hồ Chí Minh (Cát Lái)—but also to deliver shipments across international borders to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and China. 

The growing importance of trucking also means businesses must carefully select a reliable trucking company in Vietnam. Partnering with the right provider ensures not only safe and timely delivery but also smooth customs clearance and cost efficiency. This is where VICO Vietnam Trucking Service plays a central role—delivering professional trucking solutions that support both domestic and cross-border logistics. 

2. Why Trucking is Essential for Businesses in Vietnam 

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing logistics hubs in Asia. Trucking is not just a convenience—it’s the backbone of the supply chain. 

2.1 E-commerce and Retail Growth 

The explosion of online shopping in Vietnam has created massive demand for last-mile and regional trucking. From light trucks delivering small parcels in Ho Chi Minh City to medium trucks moving goods to regional hubs, trucking ensures consumer products are delivered efficiently. 

2.2 Manufacturing and Industrial Demand 

Vietnam is a major exporter of textiles, furniture, electronics, and coffee. These industries depend on container trucks and heavy trucks for both domestic and export logistics. 

2.3 Flexibility Compared to Other Modes 

Unlike sea or rail, trucks provide unmatched flexibility in routes and schedules. Businesses with urgent shipments prefer trucking because it can adapt to delivery deadlines and changing demand. 

2.4 Cross-Border Trade 

With growing trade links to Cambodia and China, trucking has become a cost-effective alternative to air freight. A Vietnam trucking provider like VICO ensures customs compliance, making international trucking seamless. 

In short, whether a business is shipping coffee from Đắk Lắk to Đà Nẵng, furniture to Cát Lái port, or electronics to Cambodia, trucking is the most versatile solution. 

3. The Most Common Types of Trucks in Vietnam’s Domestic Transport 

Vietnam’s trucking sector is diverse, with each type of truck designed to meet specific cargo needs. Understanding these categories helps businesses optimize their supply chain. 

VICO Logistics, a Vietnam trucking provider, provides various trucks from 2 tons to 8 tons 


3.1 Light Trucks (1–3.5 Tons) 

Light trucks are designed for urban and suburban deliveries. With Vietnam’s narrow streets and heavy traffic, light trucks provide high mobility and are widely used in e-commerce and retail. 

Cargo Type: Small parcels, groceries, consumer electronics, FMCG. 

Advantages: 

Easy navigation in city streets. 

Cost-effective for short distances. 

Supports multiple deliveries per day. 

Example Usage: Last-mile delivery in Ho Chi Minh City and Hà Nội. 

3.2. Medium Trucks (5–8 Tons) 

Medium trucks are ideal for intercity deliveries and regional transport. They balance capacity and mobility, making them popular in both retail and manufacturing. 

Cargo Type: Packaged foods, furniture, machinery parts, textiles. 

Advantages: 

  • Higher payload than light trucks. 

  • Suitable for provincial routes. 

  • Competitive cost per shipment. 

Example Usage: Moving goods from Bình Phước/ Tây ninh/Bến Tre/ Đồng Nai/ Bình Dương to Hồ Chí Minh distribution centers. 

3.3. Heavy Trucks (10–15 Tons and Above) 

Heavy trucks handle bulk shipments and long-haul transport. They are essential for Vietnam’s trucking North–South network, connecting the country’s two largest economic hubs. 

Cargo Type: Industrial machinery, building materials, raw materials. 

Advantages: 

  • High capacity reduces the number of trips. 

  • Economical for large-scale shipping. 

  • Suitable for long-haul deliveries. 

Example Usage: Construction materials transported from northern factories to southern ports. 

3.4 Container Trucks (20ft, 40ft, 45ft) 


VICO also offers domestic container trucking services with 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft containers
VICO also offers domestic container trucking services with 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft containers


Container trucks are the workhorses of Vietnam’s export economy. They ensure goods move seamlessly from inland factories to ports like Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, and Cát Lái.

Cargo Type: Electronics, seafood, furniture, coffee. 

  • Advantages: 

  • Standardized container sizes. 

  • Secure, sealed shipments. 

  • Compatible with multimodal transport. 

Example Usage: Exporting coffee from Đắk Lắk to Đà Nẵng for overseas shipping. 

VICO Vietnam Trucking Service offers containerized transport for both domestic and cross-border shipments, ensuring businesses can move goods to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and China with ease. 

3.5 Refrigerated Trucks 

Refrigerated trucks are critical for Vietnam’s agriculture and seafood industries. With strict temperature controls, they preserve product quality during long-distance transport. 

Cargo Type: Fruits, seafood, pharmaceuticals, frozen foods. 

Advantages

  • Maintains temperature from -20°C to +20°C. 

  • Protects perishable goods. 

  • Ensures compliance with export standards. 

Example Usage: Exporting dragon fruit and seafood from Bình Thuận to Hải Phòng. 

VICO operates refrigerated and insulated trucks tailored for sensitive shipments like coffee beans, seafood, and medicines. 

3.6. Tanker Trucks 

Tanker trucks specialize in transporting liquids and gases. Safety and compliance are critical in this category. 

  • Cargo Type: Fuel, chemicals, milk, edible oils. 

  • Advantages: 

  • High-capacity tanks. 

  • Advanced safety standards. 

  • Efficient loading and unloading systems. 

  • Example Usage: Delivering petroleum to industrial plants across Vietnam. 

3.7 Flatbed Trucks 

Flatbed trucks carry oversized cargo that doesn’t fit into traditional box or container trucks. 

Cargo Type: Steel beams, machinery, construction equipment. 

Advantages

  • Flexible for loading/unloading. 

  • Handles oversized shipments. 

  • Suitable for industrial and construction logistics. 

Example Usage: Transporting machinery for a new factory in Bình Dương. 

VICO’s sheet metal box trucks and flatbed fleet are designed to move heavy-duty cargo safely across Vietnam. 

4. VICO Vietnam Trucking Services: Complete Supply Chain Support 

VICO Logistics is not just a trucking company in Vietnam—it is a full logistics partner offering a wide range of inland transport and customs solutions. 

4.1 Our Trucking Services 

  • Full Truck Load (FTL): Ideal for peak-season, high-volume shipments. 

  • Consol Door-to-Door: Shared trucking for optimized costs. 

  • LTL Hub-to-Hub: Smaller deliveries consolidated into efficient transport. 

  • Cross-Border Trucking: Seamless shipping between Vietnam–Cambodia and Vietnam–China with full customs support. 

4.2 Our Fleet 

  • Container Trucks (20ft/40ft): Bulk shipments. 

  • Box Trucks (2–20 tons): Versatile for mixed cargo. 

  • Refrigerated & Insulated Trucks: For perishable and temperature-sensitive goods. 

  • Flatbed & Sheet Metal Box Trucks: For heavy-duty cargo. 

4.3 Customs Expertise 

  • Expert handling of export documentation. 

  • Compliance with Vietnam’s trade regulations. 

  • Fast processing to meet deadlines. 

5. Key Considerations When Choosing a Trucking Provider in Vietnam 

Type of Goods: Ensure the provider offers the right truck type. 

Distance & Delivery Time: Match delivery needs with the right trucking model (FTL, LTL, door-to-door, or hub-to-hub). 

Compliance: Work with providers like VICO that meet safety and customs standards. 

Cost Efficiency: Optimize transport using consolidated services when possible. 

Cross-Border Capability: Select a trucking company in Vietnam with international experience. 

6. Enhanced Security and Compliance: GPS Tracking, Padlocks, and CTPAT Standards 

In today’s global supply chain, cargo security is just as important as speed and cost efficiency. Businesses shipping high-value goods or exporting to markets like the United States must ensure their logistics partners follow strict security protocols. This is why VICO Vietnam Trucking Service integrates advanced GPS tracking systems, padlock security, and CTPAT compliance into its trucking operations. 

VICO applies high technology to secure your cargo and track your cargo any time
VICO applies high technology to secure your cargo and track your cargo any time


6.1 GPS Tracking for Real-Time Visibility 

VICO equips its trucking fleet with GPS-enabled tracking devices, giving businesses full visibility over their shipments at every stage of the journey. 

  • Benefits of GPS Tracking: 

  • Real-time monitoring of truck location. 

  • Accurate delivery time predictions. 

  • Immediate response in case of route deviations or emergencies. 

  • Improved transparency for clients. 

This level of visibility is especially valuable for international shipments, such as Vietnam–Cambodia or Vietnam–China trucking, where route monitoring helps ensure timely customs clearance and safe border crossings. 

6.2 Padlock Security for Cargo Protection 

Cargo theft and tampering remain risks in logistics, especially for high-value exports like coffee, textiles, and electronics.

To minimize risks, VICO implements
tamper-evident padlocks and seal protocols across its trucking operations. 

  • Ensures cargo integrity from loading to delivery. 

  • Prevents unauthorized access during transit. 

  • Builds trust for sensitive shipments, including pharmaceuticals and perishables. 

6.3 Compliance with CTPAT Standards 

For exporters targeting the U.S. market or multinational companies that require supply chain security certification, CTPAT compliance is critical. VICO aligns its operations with CTPAT standards, ensuring shipments meet international security requirements. 

6.4 CTPAT Benefits with VICO: 

  • Reduced risk of cargo delays at U.S. ports. 

  • Faster customs clearance thanks to security recognition. 

  • Assurance of global supply chain integrity. 

  • Compliance with international trade partners’ expectations. 

By combining GPS tracking, padlocks, and CTPAT compliance, VICO positions itself as not only a trusted Vietnam trucking provider but also as a globally recognized logistics partner for businesses aiming to expand internationally. 

7. Conclusion 

Trucking remains the most flexible, cost-effective, and reliable logistics solution in Vietnam. From light trucks for last-mile deliveries to container trucks for cross-border trade, each truck type plays a vital role in keeping the supply chain moving. 

For businesses seeking a trusted Vietnam trucking provider, VICO Logistics stands out with its diverse fleet, customs expertise, and nationwide coverage. Whether it’s long haul trucking, domestics trucking or Vietnam–Cambodia/China cross-border trucking, VICO ensures goods are delivered safely, on time, and with full compliance. 

8. FAQs 

1. What is the most common truck used in Vietnam’s domestic transport? 
Light and medium trucks are widely used in cities, while heavy and container trucks dominate long-haul and export routes. 

2. Why choose VICO Vietnam Trucking Service? 
VICO offers a diverse fleet, nationwide coverage, customs support, and reliable cross-border trucking to Cambodia and China. 

3. What industries benefit most from refrigerated trucks in Vietnam? 
Seafood, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on refrigerated and insulated trucking. 

4. How does VICO support cross-border trade? 
VICO provides customs clearance, export documentation, and secure trucking routes for Vietnam–Cambodia and Vietnam–China shipments. 

5. What is the future of trucking in Vietnam? 
With trade hubs like Đà Nẵng’s Lien Chieu Port expanding, Vietnam’s trucking sector will continue to grow, supporting both domestic and international logistics. 

Learn more other articles at 

1. Understand the Quotation of Cross-Border Trucking from Vietnam to Cambodia | VICO Logistics
2. How VICO LTL trucking can streamline textile fabrics manufacturing logistics in Vietnam
3. Optimizing Logistics in Cambodia with VICO’s Vietnam-Cambodia Cross-Border Service

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