Sea route · Transpacific – US West Coast, Canada & Mexico
Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Seattle by sea
Typical routing, approximate distance and estimated transit time for ocean freight from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Seattle.
- Approx. distance
- 6,660 nm (≈ 12,330 km)
- Transit (direct service)
- 16–19 days
- Transit with transshipment
- 19–26 days
- Pure sailing time at 16–18 knots
- 15.4–17.3 days
- Main straits & canals
- Luzon Strait
- Service pattern
- Direct & transshipment options
Routing
From Cai Mep – Thi Vai the usual routing passes Luzon Strait before reaching Seattle.
Both direct services and transshipment options are offered on this route; transshipment typically connects in Busan, Kaohsiung.
Straits and canals on this route
- Luzon Strait Passage between Taiwan and the Philippines from the South China Sea to the Pacific, used by transpacific and Japan-bound services from Vietnam.
About this trade lane: Transpacific – US West Coast, Canada & Mexico
Vietnam to Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver and Mexico’s Pacific coast, mostly through the Luzon Strait and across the North Pacific.
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.
Distances are the sum of great-circle legs between waypoints along the usual sea lanes, through the relevant straits and canals, rounded to the nearest 10 nautical miles. Transit ranges assume a typical service speed of 16–18 knots plus time for intermediate port calls and canal transits; transshipment adds several days for the connection at the hub. Figures are estimates for planning and comparison, not carrier schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How long is shipping from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Seattle?
About 16–19 days port to port on a direct service, for an approximate sea distance of 6,660 nautical miles. Add time for inland transport, customs and any transshipment.
Are there direct services from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Seattle?
Both direct and transshipment services are commonly offered; transshipment usually connects in Busan, Kaohsiung.
How can I get a freight rate from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Seattle?
Send Global Logistic Group your cargo type, volume (FCL or LCL), ready date and Incoterms®; we will compare carriers and send an all-in 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.