Bob van Rens
Special & Project Cargo
+31 (0)6 43 41 26 30
sales@seaconlogistics.com
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Thailand
Transport Thailand with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Thailand. From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport.
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country with a population of over 69 million and one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. It borders Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, temple-rich landscape, and flavourful cuisine.
Thailand's economy has experienced significant development in recent years. The gross domestic product (GDP) has steadily increased due to contributions from various economic sectors. The primary sector is the service sector, followed by industry and trade. Tourism is also a major economic factor as the country offers a variety of attractions and landmarks.
Thailand has close trade relations with many countries; with the United States, China, Japan, and Europe being the key partners. Imports mainly consist of machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles and petroleum products. The country primarily exports textiles, food products, smoked goods and electronic equipment.
For Thailand transport, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Thailand.
Key transport routes in Thailand and your benefits
Thailand has a wide range of modalities for the transportation of goods and raw materials, ensuring that your shipments can be transported efficiently.
Thailand's road network is one of the most well-developed in Southeast Asia and serves as a crucial link for domestic and international road transport. With over 64,000 kilometres of roads, it is dense and highly developed. In recent years, the Thai government has invested heavily in its expansion and modernisation, resulting in a significant improvement in transportation infrastructure and increased traffic capacity.
Rail transport in Thailand is also a significant modality that enables safe and reliable transportation of goods.
With over 4,000 kilometres of rail track, the railway network in Thailand is well-developed and densely populated. Rail transport serves as an important alternative to road transport and sea freight, particularly for the transportation of heavy and bulky goods such as coal, steel, limestone and construction materials. The rail lines extend to neighbouring countries Laos and Cambodia, allowing goods to be transported further across Asia.
Thailand has a long coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, historically serving as vital hubs for maritime trade routes. Even today, sea freight plays a crucial role for Thailand, which is reflected in the country's ports. The largest and most important port for container shipping is the Laem Chabang Port, located near Bangkok and one of the fastest-growing ports in Southeast Asia. Another significant Thai port is the Sattahip Port, also located near Bangkok, primarily used for the transhipment of automobiles and steel goods.
Thailand also plays a significant role in air cargo transportation in Southeast Asia. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, in particular, is one of the busiest airports in the region. It serves as a major hub for air freight, with a large capacity for cargo handling and excellent connectivity to other regions in Asia and global destinations.
important cities for cargo transportation in Thailand
Thailand has several logistics centres that are of great importance for the transportation of goods. The three main cities in Thailand for logistics and transport are Bangkok, Laem Chabang and Chiang Mai.
Bangkok, the Thai capital, is the country's primary logistics location. The metropolis serves as the economic and cultural centre and has a population of over 8 million. The city boasts an excellent transportation infrastructure with direct connections to the rest of the country and neighbouring countries. Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport are the main airports in Bangkok, facilitating international air, rail and road transport.
Laem Chabang is a relatively small city east of Bangkok, but it is indispensable as a logistics location due to its status as Thailand's main container port. Laem Chabang offers ideal conditions for the transportation of goods within the region and to the rest of the world. Moreover, there are also ideal conditions for intermodal transport.
Chiang Mai is another important logistics location, situated in northern Thailand. The city has a long trading history and excellent transport infrastructure. The Chiang Mai International Airport and highways (connecting the city to the rest of the country) are crucial transportation arteries for the movement of goods. If your company operates in the manufacturing sector, particularly in agriculture and handicrafts, Chiang Mai is also one of the best production locations due to its proximity to China and Myanmar.
Transport solutions Thailand
We offer different types of transport to and from Thailand. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from Thailand:
- Groupage transport to Thailand
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to Thailand
Groupage Thailand - LCL and LTL
The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.
The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.
Full loads Thailand - FCL or FTL
The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.
With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity.
Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination.
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Special transport Thailand
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Thailand. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from Thailand to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports:
- Long goods
- Dangerous goods (ADR)
- Boxes (KTN)
- Boxes (BOX)
- Bundles
- Heavy load
- Pallets (PLT)
- Gitter boxes (GIBO)
- Barrels (FSS)
- Other loose goods
Transport options Thailand: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa
At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, North and South-America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.
From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from Thailand to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment.
Transit and delivery times for transport to Thailand
To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently.
It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from Thailand arrives at your customer faster than usual.
For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you.
Customs: the correct import and export documents
Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.
Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Thailand
As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.
To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic.
Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details
Thailand is an important trading location in Southeast Asia and has a well-developed infrastructure. Since the country is not part of a larger economic community, import and customs regulations are particularly important. Below is an overview of some important regulations:
- Customs regulations: Thailand has free trade agreements with several countries, including the United States and China. This exempts certain goods from customs duties. As a logistics expert, we will keep you informed about applicable customs regulations and tariffs in order to avoid any delays.
- Driving bans: There is no general driving ban on public holidays or Sundays in Thailand. However, there are certain times of the year when increased traffic is expected in specific regions, such as during the New Year celebration (Songkran).
- Tolls: Some roads in Thailand require toll payments to finance road maintenance and development. These fees are calculated based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class.
- Transportation to Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia: Thailand maintains close economic relations with its neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. However, you may need to comply with special customs regulations or provide specific documents. Our customs specialists are here to assist you with these requirements.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Thailand, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport.
The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985
Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!
With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust.
Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than Thailand? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:
Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.