Container gateway · United States
Port of Houston
Houston is a container gateway on the Gulf of Mexico in United States (Gulf of Mexico). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- United States
- UN/LOCODE
- USHOU
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Gulf of Mexico
- Waters
- Gulf of Mexico
- Coordinates
- 29.60°N, 95.00°W
- Container throughput
- ≈ 3.8 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 11,630 nm
About the port of Houston
Houston is the largest container port on the US Gulf Coast, with the Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals serving Texas and the central United States.
Houston is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Houston handled approximately 3.8 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
US Gulf and Mexican Gulf ports are mostly reached via the Panama Canal, directly or by transshipment in North Asia or the Caribbean.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Houston | 11,630 | 30–35 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the United States, the Importer Security Filing (ISF “10+2”) and the carrier’s AMS manifest must be filed before loading in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about Houston
Where is the port of Houston?
Houston is in United States, on the Gulf of Mexico, in the Gulf of Mexico shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Houston?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Houston is USHOU. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Houston?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 11,630 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 30–35 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Houston?
According to published rankings, Houston handled approximately 3.8 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Houston?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Houston?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Houston through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.