By Marc Guilhem,
As we move through 2026, logistics in Vietnam is entering a new phase. From the industrial corridors of Hanoi to the deep-water ports in the north, the country has firmly established itself as a major global manufacturing hub. For freight forwarders and international partners, the way cargo moves in and out of Vietnam is evolving quickly.
In this deep dive, Marc, a veteran of the Vietnamese logistics scene at CARGOTEAM, shares his thought leadership on why the “Hanoi-Haiphong” cluster remains the engine of Asian trade and how the industry is rapidly evolving to meet global sustainability and infrastructure standards.
The Northern Powerhouse: Why Hanoi is the Strategic Gateway
While Ho Chi Minh City has traditionally been seen as the commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, the Northern region, centered around Hanoi, has seen an unprecedented influx of high-value FDI. The proximity to Southern China, combined with the massive infrastructure upgrades in Haiphong, has made the North the preferred destination for electronics giants and automotive manufacturers.
“In the North, we are witnessing a specialized industrial evolution. It’s no longer just about garments; we are handling sophisticated supply chains for semiconductors and high-tech components that require precision and speed. At CARGOTEAM, we see Hanoi not just as a capital, but as the critical logistics pivot for the entire RCEP region,” says Marc.
For freight forwarders, this means that “general cargo” expertise is no longer enough. The 2026 market demands specialized knowledge in temperature-controlled electronics transport, high-security warehousing, and seamless cross-border transit between Vietnam and China.
Infrastructure Milestones: From Deep-Sea Ports to New Skies
Vietnam’s infrastructure is expanding at a record pace to keep up with its export volume. While the North has been transformed by the Lach Huyen deep-sea port, 2026 marks a historic turning point for aviation in the South.
The overcrowding at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is being directly addressed. Terminal 3 (T3) is now a reality, significantly increasing domestic and cargo handling capacity. Simultaneously, the first phase of the massive Long Thanh International Airport is nearing its official commercial launch, poised to become one of the most significant cargo hubs in Southeast Asia.
“The new T3 terminal in Ho Chi Minh City and the progress at Long Thanh are game-changers for air freight. These projects don’t just add space; they modernize the entire flow of goods, allowing us to offer faster, more reliable connections to our global partners between the industrial North and the commercial South,” Marc notes.
The Green Mandate: Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
In 2026, “Green Logistics” is no longer a buzzword, it is a requirement for doing business with the EU and the U.S. With the implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Vietnamese exporters must prove the sustainability of their supply chains. CARGOTEAM is taking a leading role in this transition.
“We, CARGOTEAM, are taking a more proactive approach by applying for EcoVadis Certification. This is an essential step to ensure our operations meet the highest global standards for environmental and social responsibility. Our partners in Europe and America are asking for measurable sustainability, and we are delivering it,” Marc explains.
Furthermore, the environmental focus is hitting the streets of Hanoi directly. As the city introduces new laws aimed at reducing urban pollution, the logistics sector must adapt its fleet strategy.
“As per the new law to reduce pollution in Hanoi, CARGOTEAM is considering investing in electric vehicles. It’s about being future-proof and ensuring that our last-mile delivery services align with the capital’s green transition,” Marc adds.
Revolutionizing Pharma Logistics with Intelsius
One of the most significant shifts in Vietnam’s logistics sector is the professionalization of the pharmaceutical supply chain. CARGOTEAM Pharma has taken a leadership role here by tackling the “waste” problem inherent in cold-chain logistics.
“As our CARGOTEAM Pharma is involved, we are reducing the use of foam boxes and are presently representing Intelsius Pharma packaging as the distributor for the whole of Vietnam. These boxes are recyclable and reusable, reducing tremendously the carbon footprint of medical and pharmaceutical shipments,” says Marc.
This move away from traditional foam packaging ensures that sensitive medical cargo is transported with the highest thermal integrity while significantly cutting down on environmental waste, a key requirement for modern pharmaceutical companies.
Navigating Customs and Regulatory Complexity
Despite the modernization, Vietnam remains a complex regulatory environment. Customs brokerage remains one of the most critical value-adds a local partner can provide. In 2026, the focus is on the 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed, including the EVFTA and CPTPP.
Marc highlights that the real expertise lies in “Rules of Origin.” To benefit from duty-free access, goods must meet strict localization requirements.
“A freight forwarder in Vietnam today must also be a trade consultant. We spend a significant amount of time helping our members understand the nuances of FTA certificates. It’s not just about moving the box; it’s about ensuring the client doesn’t get hit with unexpected duties because of a documentation error,” Marc notes.
The Human Element: Building Expertise in the Digital Age
While AI and automation are transforming the industry, the “boots on the ground” expertise in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remains irreplaceable. The logistics industry in Vietnam is currently facing a talent gap, the demand for skilled logistics managers is outstripping supply.
“At the end of the day, logistics is a relationship business. You can have the best software, but you still need a local team that knows the port authorities, understands the local language, and can solve a problem at 2:00 AM on a Sunday. We invest heavily in our people because they are the ones who deliver on the promise of the technology,” Marc adds.
Vietnam in 2026 is a land of immense opportunity, but it requires a partner who understands the deep structural and environmental shifts taking place. From the high-tech industrial parks of Hanoi to the new aviation hubs in the South and the sustainable pharma solutions of CARGOTEAM, the logistics industry is evolving at breakneck speed.
As Marc summarizes: “The future of Vietnam logistics is about being faster, smarter, and greener. Whether it’s through EcoVadis certification, reusable Intelsius packaging, or investing in electric vehicles, we are ensuring that CARGOTEAM remains the leading partner for those looking to navigate the Vietnamese market.”
Article by Marc Guilhem
CEO,
CARGOTEAM, a member of Bloc Logistics Network
CARGOTEAM was founded in 1994 and is one of the first private freight forwarding companies in Vietnam. Fully licensed in forwarding and brokerage, and among the earliest IATA-certified private firms in the country, it offers sea and air freight, inland transport, logistics and project cargo solutions. With offices in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, Cargoteam delivers compliant, experienced support across Vietnam.
Bloc Logistics Network is a global platform that connects logistics professionals to share opportunities and collaborate without barriers. Bloc aims to level the playing field by creating an accessible, supportive environment where professionalism and collaboration drive real results. It serves as an ecosystem designed for mutual advancement, ensuring growth, efficiency, and success across the logistics industry.
