In Q4 2026 a 40HQ container from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) costs roughly $1,200–1,900 to Japan, $1,800–2,800 to the Gulf, $2,200–3,200 to Australia, $3,000–4,500 to the US West Coast and $3,400–5,000 to the UK or North Europe. A 40HQ holds about 68 usable CBM, around 230 GFRC coffee tables, so sea freight adds about $5–22 per coffee table when the container is full.
Concrete furniture looks heavy to ship, but GFRC pieces are usually limited by volume, not weight. That makes container planning, packing and the product mix the levers that decide your freight cost per piece.
Indicative 40HQ sea freight from Cat Lai
| Destination | 40HQ rate (USD) | Transit | Per coffee table at 230 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama / Tokyo | 1,200 – 1,900 | 8–10 days | $5 – 8 |
| Jebel Ali / Dammam | 1,800 – 2,800 | 14–17 days | $8 – 12 |
| Sydney / Melbourne | 2,200 – 3,200 | 14–18 days | $10 – 14 |
| Los Angeles / Long Beach | 3,000 – 4,500 | 22–26 days | $13 – 20 |
| Felixstowe / Southampton | 3,400 – 5,000 | 30–34 days | $15 – 22 |
| Rotterdam / Hamburg | 3,400 – 5,000 | 30–35 days | $15 – 22 |
Market ranges for Q4 2026, port to port, before destination charges. Your forwarder confirms the current rate. The same table sits in our price guide and freight estimator.
How many pieces fit in a 40HQ
| Product family | Packed CBM per piece | Approx. pieces per 40HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Side tables | 0.05 – 0.09 | ≈ 750 – 900 |
| Stools | 0.06 – 0.18 | ≈ 400 – 750 |
| Coffee tables | 0.18 – 0.42 | ≈ 160 – 300 |
| Basins | 0.08 – 0.30 | ≈ 250 – 500 |
| Dining tables (crated) | 0.6 – 1.2 | ≈ 55 – 75 |
Weight rarely limits GFRC: 230 coffee tables at about 36 kg gross each is roughly 8 tonnes, well under a 40HQ payload. Volume and stacking do. We send a loading plan with every quotation, and the GFRC vs cast concrete comparison shows why the lighter material packs better.
Worked example: 120 coffee tables to Felixstowe
On its own this order half-fills a 40HQ, so freight per table is two to three times the full-container figure. Two fixes: add side tables and stools to fill the remaining 33 CBM, which also moves those models into a higher volume tier, or ship LCL and accept the per-CBM premium and extra handling. The volume tiers and price drivers explain the trade-off.
Packing that protects concrete in transit
Standard export packing is PE foam, EPS corner guards and a carton strapped to ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets. Dining tables, basins and tops over 100 cm travel in individual plywood crates, which adds about $6–18 per piece. Every model we sell passes a 1 m drop test in its packing before it is added to the catalogue.
Incoterms, documents and duties
- FOB Cat Lai: we deliver the loaded container to the port and clear export; your forwarder books the ship. Best control for regular importers.
- CIF: we book freight and insurance to your port; you clear import.
- DDP: delivered to your door with duty and VAT paid through our forwarder's partner; simplest for first orders and projects.
Documents with each shipment: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, fumigation or ISPM-15 certificate, and a certificate or statement of origin. Concrete furniture is usually classified under HS 9403 (other furniture) or 6810 (articles of concrete), depending on design; confirm the code with your customs broker. Origin documents under the EU–Vietnam FTA, UKVFTA, CPTPP or RCEP can reduce duty. The United States has no free-trade agreement with Vietnam, so check the current tariff position with your broker before you order. The step-by-step process is on how we work.
FAQ
How long does sea freight from Vietnam take?
From Cat Lai: about 8–10 days to Japan, 14–18 days to Australia and the Gulf, 22–26 days to the US West Coast and 30–35 days to the UK and North Europe, port to port.
Can I mix models in one container?
Yes. Mixed containers are normal as long as each model meets its 20-piece MOQ. Filling the container is the easiest way to cut freight per piece.
What is CBM?
Cubic metres of packed volume. Freight is priced per container or, for LCL, per CBM. Every Q-Furniture quotation lists CBM and gross weight per SKU.
Should I ship LCL for a first order?
For under about 15 CBM, LCL is usually cheaper than a part-empty container. Above that, compare a 20GP or 40HQ quote; the container is often cheaper and safer.
