Thailand Freight Forwarding Explained: Air Freight, Ocean Freight, & Customs Tips

By investing billions in major infrastructure improvements ($28 billion USD) in the last 20 years alone!) Thailand is becoming a pivotal logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

A series of projects—including a land bridge to bypass the Malacca Strait, port improvements, and a network of inland container ports linking Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam—will increase Thailand’s air, sea, road, and rail capacity, streamline trade routes, cut shipping times, and boost regional freight connectivity.

If you’re moving cargo to or from Thailand, the opportunity for faster, more efficient freight movement is clear. Even so, an experienced freight forwarder will be a key partner to help navigate Thailand logistics.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of shipping freight between Thailand and the U.S., including choosing between air freight and ocean freight, navigating customs, working with a Thailand freight forwarder, and best practices for efficient cargo movement between the two countries.

Emerging Opportunities in Thailand–U.S. Trade: An Overview

Thailand’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, combined with proactive government investment, holds promise for transforming the country into a logistics hub with global reach. For U.S. businesses looking to manufacture, source, or distribute products in Southeast Asia (and beyond), moving freight to, from, and around Thailand promises new levels of efficiency. 

A few key developments are poised to make doing business in Thailand more attractive than ever: 

Thailand is actively modernizing the country’s freight infrastructure, most notably in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). With upgrades at Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut ports, as well as U-Tapao Aviation City, Thailand is positioning itself to handle higher volumes of air and ocean freight.  

The addition of the Land Bridge in the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) linking Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand will only attract more freight to Thailand. By bypassing the Strait of Malacca, the Land Bridge will offer a faster alternative for moving freight between China, south Asia, and beyond. 

With increasing concerns over geopolitical tensions and supply chain resilience, many U.S. businesses are actively seeking suppliers and manufacturers in multiple countries.  

Thailand’s favorable trade policies with the U.S. and reliable manufacturing base make it an attractive addition to many supply chains. 

The U.S. is one of Thailand’s top trading partners, with electronics and rubber tires among the top imports. In 2024, U.S. imports from Thailand increased by 12.5% to $63.3 billion. In turn, Thailand imported $18.4 billion from the U.S., largely in petroleum, aircraft parts, and scrap aluminum. As positive trade relations continue between these countries, import volumes will likely only increase.

If you’re looking to leverage these advantages and ship freight between the U.S. and Thailand, we’ll show you what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Mode for Moving Thailand Freight

When it comes to transporting international freight between Thailand and the United States, choosing the right mode of transportation is critical. Below, we’ll compare air freight and ocean freight so you can choose the right method for shipping your Thailand cargo.

Thailand Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation between Thailand and the U.S., with transit times as short as a couple of days. Air freight will also be the most expensive way to ship your cargo, making it well suited for high-value items with significant margins. Ideal cargo for air freight includes:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and precision instruments
• High-end accessories, like handbags and jewelry
• Medical and surgical equipment

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) handles the vast majority of Thailand’s air freight, followed by Phuket International Airport (HKT), and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

Thailand Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is usually the most cost-effective solution for moving cargo between Thailand and the U.S. However, it will also be much slower than air freight, with port-to-port transit times between Bangkok and the U.S. West Coast (Los Angeles/Tacoma) averaging between 24-30 days. For East Coast U.S. destinations (New York/Savannah/Jacksonville/Charleston/Norfolk), expect 45-60 days transit time. You’ll need to add additional time on both ends to account for freight cut-offs, loading and unloading, and transportation to and from the port. 

Both FCL and LCL options are available for shipping ocean freight cargo between Thailand and the U.S. 

Thailand-U.S. Ocean Freight
Transit Times

Navigating Customs for Thailand-U.S. Freight

When you’re shipping international freight, knowing how to navigate customs is critical for keeping your freight moving. Missed forms, incorrect product classifications, or non-compliance with import regulations can result in delays, penalties, or even seizures. That’s why it’s essential to work with a top Thailand freight forwarder who knows the process inside and out.

When you’re importing items into the U.S. from Thailand, here’s what to look out for:

Preparing the Correct Documentation for U.S. Imports

Your shipment from Thailand will need to be accompanied by a specific set of paperwork. An experienced Thailand freight forwarder will help assemble what you need, which generally includes:

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Lists all the details of a shipment: who’s sending it, who’s receiving it, the carrier moving the cargo, the goods contained in the shipment, etc.

• Commercial Invoice: Includes product descriptions, value, and country of origin.

• Packing List: Details exactly what’s contained in the shipment.

• Certificate of Origin: Verifies the origin of the items in your cargo, used to calculate tariffs and duties.

You’ll also need to complete the Importer Security Filing (ISF, also known as “10+2”). Rather than completing these procedures on your own, a Thailand freight forwarder can facilitate all of this for you, streamlining the import process.

Classifying Goods Accurately Using HTS Codes

Every item imported into the U.S. must be classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The HTS code will determine:

• The applicable duties and tariffs
• Eligibility for trade exemptions, if applicable
• Any additional requirements, such as FDA clearance

Incorrect HTS codes can delay customs clearance. If you have any questions about the HTS code for your imports, your Thailand freight forwarder can assist.

Choosing the Right Customs Broker

Customs brokers can streamline U.S. customs procedures, including calculating taxes and duties and assisting with imports that hit a snag in the clearance process.

Some Thailand freight forwarders work directly with customs brokers to help facilitate customs clearance, offering a simplified import experience. By acting as your go-between, a freight forwarder can be your single point of contact, coordinating customs procedures behind the scenes with a customs broker.

Before you decide on a Thailand freight forwarder, ask whether they can facilitate customs clearance in concert with a customs broker. This service can add significant ease to your next Thailand–U.S. cargo project.

Planning Your Next Shipment: What to Know When Shipping Thailand Freight

Finally, we’ll end with a few tips for making your next Thailand freight shipment as simple and efficient as possible.

Get Clear on Your Incoterms

Before you sign a contract with a supplier or manufacturer, talk with an experienced Thailand freight forwarder about the Incoterms you’re considering. The Incoterms you agree to will dictate who pays for the logistics to move your goods to their final destination, including: shipping, import/export procedures, insurance, etc.

Here’s how a freight forwarder can assist: A supplier’s quoted price under the EXW Incoterm will likely be low, since it puts the majority of the logistics costs on the buyer. However, when your freight forwarder prices out the cost to move your goods from the supplier’s warehouse to your final destination, you might discover that your landed cost will be higher than if you negotiated a slightly higher price under the FAS Incoterm.

In short, working with an experienced Thailand freight forwarder can help you decide which Incoterm makes the most sense for your budget.

Plan Your Timelines Thoughtfully

When you’re relying on international cargo, it’s important to have a good handle on your logistics timelines. A good freight forwarder can help you plan ahead to ensure you maintain the right levels of supplies and/or inventory to keep your operations moving smoothly. An experienced Thailand freight forwarder will also have a good sense of how much cushion time to build in, just in case of delays or peak season slowdowns.

Additionally, there may come a time when you need to get your hands on goods or supplies quickly. A solid Thailand freight forwarder can offer creative solutions, such as sending a smaller shipment via air freight or expedited LCL to help fill any gaps.

Understand All the Fees Involved

If you’re new to international freight, you might not realize how many small charges come with shipping ocean freight. If you look at a detailed ocean freight invoice, you’ll see line items for drayage, fuel surcharges, terminal handling charges, wharfage, etc.

Working with a freight forwarder can help you make sense of all of these fees so you can calculate your margins accurately. In fact, many freight forwarders bundle all of these charges to create an all-in quote, which will give you a more accurate picture of your landed cost.

The bottom line: When you quote out your Thailand ocean freight shipment, make sure you get a price that includes all the fees and charges so there are no surprises.

Looking Ahead: Thailand’s Freight Future

A strong grasp on freight logistics can position you to take advantage of all the evolving opportunities for doing business in Thailand. Additionally, partnering with a top Thailand freight forwarder can give you expertise you need to create an efficient, cost-effective logistics flow—the foundation for any successful business.

Looking for an experienced freight forwarder to assist with your Thailand–U.S. shipments? Approved Freight Forwarders specializes in efficient, cost-effective end-to-end solutions for international freight. We’d love to tailor a solution for your business. Just reach out for a complimentary quote to get started.