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Shipping to Thailand
eCommerce business online shopping growing rapidly, there’s increasing demand for lower prices, free delivery, and great customer service. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the essentials of shipping to Thailand.
Shipping Methods
Air Freight
Fast and reliable, air freight is preferred by many online retailers. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are the main airports in Thailand.
1
Sea Freight
A slower but cheaper option, sea freight is best for bulk shipments. Major ports include Bangkok, Laem Chabang, and Sattahip.
2
Cross-Border Trucking
Ideal for nearby countries like China and Malaysia. Trucking is cost-effective for shorter distances and is commonly used for last-mile delivery in Thailand.
3
Expense Information
Customs, Import Duties, and Taxes
Thailand’s customs process requires specific documents such as an import declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, and, in some cases, an airway bill or bill of lading. The Thai government applies import duties based on the value of the goods and shipping costs. Most items are taxed between 5% and 30%, with a value-added tax (VAT) of 7% for goods over 1,500 Baht.
Legal Information
Restricted and Prohibited Goods
Before shipping, be aware of Thailand’s import rules:
- Restricted Items: Fresh food, hazardous goods, firearms, cosmetics, etc.
- Prohibited Items: Drugs, counterfeit currency, and illegal publications.
Working with a reliable logistics partner can simplify the process and ensure your shipments meet all regulations. By choosing the right shipping method and understanding customs procedures, you can successfully expand your eCommerce business to Thailand.
01
Air Freight
Fast and reliable, air freight is preferred by many online retailers. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are the main airports in Thailand.
Air freight forwarding provides the fastest means of transporting goods, making it ideal for shipments that are small in size, high in value, time-sensitive, or perishable. Due to its speed and efficiency, air freight is often the preferred option for businesses that need to move products quickly.
There are two primary methods of air freight transportation: direct and deferred services. Direct flights move cargo from the origin airport to the final destination without any intermediate stops, ensuring the fastest possible delivery. Deferred services, on the other hand, involve transferring the shipment through one or more transit countries before it reaches its final destination. For example, cargo destined for Sydney might first be off-loaded in Shanghai, transferred to a flight to Kuala Lumpur, and then proceed to Sydney.
Air freight forwarders play a critical role in streamlining the logistics process. By maintaining strong relationships with airlines, they can negotiate favorable rates and secure priority space for shipments. Moreover, they manage the full scope of logistics, including arranging documentation, coordinating customs clearance, and overseeing the final delivery to ensure a smooth and timely process.
Air freight forwarding is a valuable solution for businesses that require fast, reliable transportation, balancing urgency, security, and efficiency in global supply chains.
02
Sea Freight
A slower but cheaper option, sea freight is best for bulk shipments. Major ports include Bangkok, Laem Chabang, and Sattahip.
Sea freight forwarding is a cost-effective solution for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances via ocean vessels. It is particularly advantageous for businesses looking to move bulk shipments efficiently.
Shipping options include Full Container Load (FCL), Full Consolidation (FCX), and Less than Container Load (LCL). FCL is where a single supplier fills an entire container for one consignee. FCX consolidates goods from multiple vendors into one container for a single consignee, while LCL groups cargo from various consignees into a shared container, optimizing space usage.
For goods that require temperature control, reefer containers offer refrigeration during transit. Additionally, shipping lines may offer discounts for Non-Operating Reefers (NORs), which are refrigerated containers used for dry cargo during repositioning to avoid transporting empty containers.
Sea freight forwarders facilitate the entire logistics process, negotiating rates with ocean carriers, booking cargo space, coordinating loading and unloading at ports, and managing essential documentation such as customs clearance and compliance.
Selecting the appropriate shipping method depends on factors such as cargo type, urgency, and budget. Sea freight forwarders are instrumental in ensuring the smooth and timely transportation of goods across international waters.
03
Road Freight Forwarding
Ideal for nearby countries like China and Malaysia. Trucking is cost-effective for shorter distances and is commonly used for last-mile delivery in Thailand.
Road freight forwarding provides flexibility, reliability, and cost-efficiency for domestic and cross-border shipments. By utilizing trucks, vans, and trailers, this mode of transportation ensures extensive coverage, reaching even remote areas.
It is often more economical than other methods, especially for short-to-medium distance shipments, with lower infrastructure and handling costs. Road freight forwarders handle all customs procedures for international shipments, ensuring compliance with regulations, obtaining permits, and preparing customs declarations, reducing the risk of delays or penalties.
Advanced tracking systems allow real-time monitoring of shipments, offering full visibility and control over the supply chain. This ensures efficient operations, timely deliveries, and adherence to customer expectations through well-planned routes and proactive communication.
Both sea and road freight forwarding play crucial roles in global logistics, offering tailored solutions that balance cost, efficiency, and delivery speed based on business needs.
04
Customs Clearance
Royaltainer offers fast customs clearance in 1-3 days with personalized, cost-effective solutions for your air express imports.
Royaltainer is a Licensed Customs Broker specializing in air express customs clearance. We typically clear your import shipments from the airport within 1-3 working days and deliver them straight to your door. Our team of experienced specialists ensures a smooth and efficient customs clearance process, offering personalized attention and accountability for your cargo. We pride ourselves on delivering high standards, cost-effective solutions, and exceptional service for all your customs brokerage needs.