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A GUIDE TO SHIPPING CONTAINER TYPES: DIMENSIONS, CAPACITY AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Choosing the right shipping container depends on the cargo’s dimensions, characteristics, weight and handling requirements. Understanding container specifications helps businesses determine the most suitable equipment and plan cargo loading more effectively. This guide provides a quick reference to 12 container types, covering their dimensions, internal volume and key weight specifications. Key Considerations When Selecting a Shipping Container Check the internal dimensions: Use the container’s internal dimensions to calculate the available loading space. Compare the cargo’s length, width and height against the usable internal dimensions, allowing for the clearance needed for loading and unloading Understand payload and gross weight limits: Payload refers to the maximum cargo weight a container is designed to carry, while maximum gross weight includes both the container’s tare weight and the cargo. For inland transportation, also check the applicable vehicle weight limits and road regulations along the planned route Inspect the container before loading: Check the container’s exterior, floor and doors for damage or signs of water ingress. For refrigerated containers, verify that the refrigeration unit is operating properly and that the required temperature can be maintained for the cargo Note: Specifications may vary by container model and manufacturer. Always check the equipment plate on the assigned container before loading. Contact Vantage Logistics for tailored transport solutions and competitive quotations. Please provide details on cargo type, market, origin, destination, and estimated timeline. Vantage Logistics Corp – South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services Head Office Viet Nam – Suite 6.01, Floor 6th, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam Branch Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore Contact Us Email in**@*****om.vn Hotline +84-909-026-261 Website https://vantage-logistics.com Send your shipment enquiry today and receive a tailored transport plan from the Vantage Logistics team.

13/10/2026

Blog, Logistics

What is DDP? Who Pays Duty and Tax in International Shipping

What is DDP? DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is an Incoterm where the seller delivers goods to the buyer’s destination and pays all costs, including transport, import duties, and taxes, while the buyer simply receives the goods. DDP places maximum responsibility on the seller. It is the opposite of EXW and represents the highest level of service – and risk – in international trade. How DDP Works The seller manages the entire journey, from factory to final destination, including the import process in the buyer’s country. Seller’s responsibilities under DDP: Export packaging and documentation Export customs clearance All transport to named destination Import customs clearance at destination Payment of all import duties, VAT, and taxes Delivery to the named place Bear all risks until goods are delivered Buyer’s responsibilities under DDP: Unload goods at the named destination (unless otherwise agreed) Receive the goods Risk transfer point: When goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal at the named destination, ready for unloading. Key Differences Between EXW, DAP and DDP EXW DAP DDP Export clearance Buyer Seller Seller Main transport Buyer Seller Seller Import clearance Buyer Buyer Seller Import duties & taxes Buyer Buyer Seller Unloading at destination Buyer Buyer Buyer Seller’s risk level Lowest Moderate Highest Buyer’s risk level Highest Low–Moderate Lowest See also: What is DAP? | What is EXW? | Incoterms 2020: Complete Guide When DDP Makes Sense DDP works best in specific, limited scenarios – not as a default arrangement for regular commercial trade. DDP is appropriate for: Low-value shipments where import duties are minimal and predictable Replacement parts and spare parts deliveries Free samples and marketing materials Situations where the buyer has no import experience and the seller has an established legal presence in the destination country E-commerce fulfilment where the seller operates cross-border logistics infrastructure DDP is not appropriate for: Regular high-value commercial imports Shipments where the seller has no legal entity in the destination country Any situation where the seller cannot legally act as importer of record Shipments into markets with complex, unpredictable, or frequently changing duty structures What DDP Actually Costs the Seller DDP is often quoted as a single all-in price, but several hidden cost drivers affect the final cost: Import duties volatility Tariffs may change after pricing is agreed, increasing seller exposure. VAT exposure In many markets, import VAT must be paid upfront and may not be recoverable for foreign sellers, making it a sunk cost embedded in the price. Importer of Record (IOR) requirement To clear goods, the seller must act as – or appoint – the Importer of Record. In many countries, this requires a locally registered entity, adding cost and compliance complexity. The Risk Buyers Often Miss DDP reduces operational workload – but does not eliminate legal exposure. Buyer may still be liable Customs authorities may hold the importer accountable for classification, valuation, and compliance – even if duties were paid by the seller. DDP in Practice: China–Viet Nam Shipments For Vietnamese importers sourcing from China, DDP is widely marketed by Chinese forwarders as a simple, all-inclusive service. It works well for small or infrequent shipments. For regular commercial imports: The seller or their agent must act as importer of record Import VAT (typically 8–10%) is embedded in pricing Classification differences may create duty discrepancies For recurring shipments, DAP (Delivered at Place) or FOB (Free On Board) with a local customs broker often provides better cost control and compliance visibility. Decision Insight: DDP vs DAP vs FOB If you prioritise convenience and have low shipment value, DDP simplifies operations. If you need cost transparency, compliance control, and scalability: DAP or FOB is usually more effective than DDP for regular commercial imports FAQ Is DDP the same as door-to-door shipping? Not exactly. Door-to-door is a service description – it tells you about the physical journey. DDP is a trade term – it defines who pays for what and who bears risk. A door-to-door service can be structured under several Incoterms, including DAP or DDP. Can the seller exclude VAT from DDP? Yes. It can be structured as “DDP (VAT unpaid)” if agreed. What is the difference between DDP and DDU? DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) was a term under Incoterms 2000, replaced by DAP in Incoterms 2010. Under DDU, the seller delivered to destination but did not pay import duties – which is the same structure as DAP today. DDU is no longer a valid term under current Incoterms rules. Who is the importer of record under DDP? The seller or their appointed agent. See also: What is FOB? | What is CIF? Vantage Logistics advises on Incoterm structuring for cross-border shipments across ASEAN, including China – Viet Nam routes where DDP, DAP, and FOB carry different cost and compliance implications. Contact our team for a practical assessment of your shipping terms and total landed cost. — VANTAGE LOGISTICS South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services CONTACT US Head Office: Suite 6.01, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam Email: in**@*****om.vn Phone: +84-28 382 67312 – Hotline: +84-909-026-261 Website: https://vantage-logistics.com

17/04/2026

Blog, Logistics

What is DAP? Delivered at Place Explained with Risks and Examples

What is DAP? DAP is a rule under Incoterms 2020 where the seller delivers goods to a specified destination, ready for unloading. Risk transfers at that point – before unloading begins. The buyer is responsible for import clearance, duties, taxes, and unloading. How DAP Works The seller manages everything up to delivery at the named place. The buyer takes over from arrival. Seller’s responsibilities under DAP: Export packaging and documentation Export customs clearance All transport to the named destination – inland, ocean or air, and delivery to site Delivery of goods ready for unloading Bear all risk during transit Buyer’s responsibilities under DAP: Unload goods at the named destination Handle import customs clearance Pay import duties, VAT, and taxes Arrange any onward transport after the named place Risk transfer point: When goods arrive at the named place, ready for unloading – but before unloading begins. One important detail: the named place must be specific. “Ho Chi Minh City” is not sufficient. “Buyer’s warehouse at [address]” or “Cat Lai Port, Ho Chi Minh City” gives both parties clear reference points for when risk and cost transfer. DAP vs DDP vs DPU: Where the Confusion Starts DAP is often confused with DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). DAP DPU DDP Seller arranges transport to destination yes yes yes Seller unloads at destination no yes no Seller handles import clearance no no yes Seller pays import duties & taxes no no yes Risk transfers Before unloading After unloading Before unloading DAP vs DPU: the difference is unloading. DPU is the only rule where the seller bears unloading risk. DAP vs DDP: DDP requires the seller to act as importer, taking on duties and tax obligations. See also: What is DDP? When DAP Makes Sense DAP works well when: The buyer has a reliable customs broker at the destination country The buyer wants direct control over import duty calculation and payment The seller wants to offer door-delivery service without taking on import tax liability The shipment is to a buyer’s own warehouse or named facility The seller wants to avoid registering as an importer of record in the destination country When DAP Does NOT Work DAP is not suitable when: The buyer has no local customs capability or broker Import duties are complex, high, or unpredictable at the destination The named destination is remote or difficult for the seller’s carrier to access precisely Practical Insights: The Risks That Catch Buyers Off Guard Customs delays become the buyer’s cost. If import clearance is delayed, storage and demurrage charges apply – and these fall entirely on the buyer. Unloading is often overlooked. DAP delivers goods ready for unloading – but the buyer must handle equipment and labour. This becomes critical for heavy or project cargo. Vague destination creates disputes. A general location like “Ho Chi Minh City” creates ambiguity. A precise address or terminal is required to define risk transfer clearly. DAP in Practice: ASEAN Cross-Border Shipments For shipments into Viet Nam, DAP is commonly used for machinery, equipment, and project cargo where the seller – often a European or Chinese manufacturer – arranges delivery to the buyer’s factory or project site. The buyer’s customs broker handles import clearance under Vietnamese regulations. Decision Insight: When to Choose DAP vs DDP If your team has customs capability and wants control over import costs, DAP is usually more efficient than DDP. If not, DDP may reduce operational risk, even if total cost is higher due to supplier pricing. FAQ Does DAP include insurance? No. Insurance is not mandatory. The seller bears risk but is not required to insure the goods. What is the difference between DAP and DDU? DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) was the predecessor term under Incoterms 2000. It was replaced by DAP in Incoterms 2010 and remains unchanged in 2020. DAP is the current, valid term – DDU is no longer in use under the current rules. Can DAP be used for sea freight? Yes. DAP applies to all transport modes. Who arranges unloading under DAP? The buyer. This is one of the most frequently misunderstood points. See also: What is FOB? | What is EXW? Vantage Logistics supports cross-border and project cargo shipments across ASEAN under DAP and other Incoterms structures. Contact our team for guidance on structuring your shipment terms and controlling total cost. — VANTAGE LOGISTICS South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services CONTACT US Head Office: Suite 6.01, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam Email: in**@*****om.vn Phone: +84-28 382 67312 – Hotline: +84-909-026-261 Website: https://vantage-logistics.com

17/04/2026