Container gateway · United States
Port of Seattle
Seattle is a container gateway on the Puget Sound in United States (North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- United States
- UN/LOCODE
- USSEA
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific
- Waters
- Puget Sound
- Coordinates
- 47.58°N, 122.35°W
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 6,660 nm
About the port of Seattle
Seattle and Tacoma manage their marine cargo business jointly as the Northwest Seaport Alliance, one of North America’s leading container gateways with rail links to the Midwest. From Vietnam, the Pacific Northwest is slightly closer than Southern California by sea.
Seattle is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
The transpacific trade to the US West Coast, Canada and Mexico’s Pacific ports is one of Vietnam’s largest export lanes, with many direct services from Cai Mep and some from Lach Huyen.
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 → Seattle | 6,660 | 16–19 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 Seattle
Where is the port of Seattle?
Seattle is in United States, on the Puget Sound, in the North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Seattle?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Seattle is USSEA. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Seattle?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 6,660 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 16–19 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Seattle?
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 Seattle?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Seattle 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.