Container gateway · United States
Port of Tacoma
Tacoma 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
- USTIW
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific
- Waters
- Puget Sound
- Coordinates
- 47.27°N, 122.42°W
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
About the port of Tacoma
Tacoma 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
We have not published a sample voyage to Tacoma yet. Typical options from Vietnam are direct regional services or transshipment via a major hub; ask us for current schedules.
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 Tacoma
Where is the port of Tacoma?
Tacoma is in United States, on the Puget Sound, in the North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Tacoma?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Tacoma is USTIW. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Tacoma?
It depends on the routing and whether the service is direct or via transshipment. Contact us for current schedules from Hai Phong, Cat Lai or Cai Mep.
What documents are needed to ship via Tacoma?
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 Tacoma?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Tacoma 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.