Operations Services Supply Chain Operations & Logistics

Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services: The Golden Link to Improve Business Efficiency

In a globally connected economy, the effectiveness of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Logistics has a direct impact on profits, costs, speed to market and the experience of the End Customer . From finding Raw Material Suppliers , manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, to distributing goods to consumers, every step needs to be synchronized and run smoothly. However, managing the entire Supply Chain Operations (SCM) and Logistics Operations (LOGISTICS OPERATIONS) by yourself is extremely complex, requiring large resources, deep expertise and the ability to apply high technology. This is when professional Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services come into play.

We, the Brand Manager VN team, realize that many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) , are having difficulty in optimizing transportation costs , minimizing inventory , or dealing with unexpected supply chain incidents . The complexity of import and export procedures, finding reputable transportation partners, or effectively managing warehouses/storage facilities can consume significant energy and resources, making it difficult for businesses to focus on core competencies such as products, marketing or sales. We believe that using outsourced Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services is a smart strategy to optimize operational processes and achieve effective operational management .

Supply Chain & Logistics: The Key Links

To better understand Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services , we need to clearly distinguish two core concepts:

• Supply Chain Management (SCM): Is the overall picture, including all activities related to the flow of goods, information and finance, from the starting point (raw material supplier) to the ending point (end customer). SCM includes planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery and return management ( Reverse Logistics ).
• Logistics: Is an important part of SCM , focusing on the efficient movement and storage of goods. The main activities of Logistics include Freight Transportation (road, sea, air, rail), Warehousing Management , packaging, loading and unloading and related information management.

Supply Chain Operations and Logistics Operations are the actual activities to implement SCM and Logistics plans.

Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services: Transforming Management Models

Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services is when a business decides to outsource logistics , entrusting the functions and processes related to Supply Chain Operations and Logistics Operations to a professional third party - Logistics Service Provider (LSP) . These LSPs are often called Third-Party Logistics Service Providers (3PL) when they undertake one or more logistics functions.

This model is part of the increasingly popular BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) trend, similar to the way businesses outsource other departments such as HR, IT, Administration or Customer Care. The goal of outsourcing supply chain and logistics operations is to:

• Optimize operational processes such as transportation, warehousing, and customs procedures according to international standards.
• Achieve more efficient operations management through partner expertise, experience and infrastructure.
• Save overall operating costs through optimization, waste reduction, and leveraging LSP scale advantages.
• Significantly improve logistics performance .

Outstanding Benefits When Using Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services

The Brand Manager VN team has witnessed positive changes when businesses, especially SMEs, decide to cooperate with Third-Party Logistics Service Providers (3PL) . The benefits do not stop at saving operating costs but also create sustainable competitive advantages:

• Cost optimization: Significantly reduce freight costs , storage costs ( How to optimize storage costs for small businesses? - rent flexible warehouses according to needs, use professional inventory management services to solve this problem), and other related costs (personnel, technology, infrastructure).
• Improve operational efficiency: Professional LSPs have optimized workflows, extensive networks, and modern technology, helping to improve delivery efficiency , reduce Lead Time (time from order to receipt), and ensure smooth flow of goods.
• Focus on core business: Free up internal team resources and focus from the complexity of Supply Chain Operations to focus on core value-creating activities.
• Access to expertise and cutting-edge technology: Get immediate access to a team of experienced experts in Customs Clearance , Multimodal transport , automated warehouse management and advanced technology solutions such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) , Transportation Management Systems (TMS) . " Which company provides the most efficient supply chain management solutions? " - are often specialist companies that can integrate multiple services and technologies.
• Increase Visibility & Reduce Risk: Using Supply Chain Visibility systems helps businesses track the entire movement of goods. At the same time, professional LSPs have experience in Supply Chain Risk Management and know How to minimize risks during the transportation of fragile goods? or deal with Supply Chain Incidents .
• Improve Customer Service Level: On-time, accurate deliveries and the ability to Track and Trace orders increase customer satisfaction. " How do I track where my order is? " - an outsourcing service with a good tracking system will provide this information.
• Flexibility and scalability: Easily expand or shrink logistics operations according to market demand or business seasonality without large investments in warehouses or fleets.
• Expanding markets: Outsourcing logistics makes it easier for businesses to access new markets, including Cross-border Logistics .
• Increased Competitive Advantage: Efficient supply chain and logistics create distinct competitive advantages in cost, speed and reliability.

Common Categories of Outsourced Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services

The scope of Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services is broad, covering many different stages. Common items that businesses often choose to outsource include:

• Freight transport: Including road transport ( Truck rental in Dong Nai , Trucking company), sea transport ( Shipping line ), air transport (Airline ), rail, or multimodal combination. " My company needs to find a partner to transport goods to the Northern provinces, what should I do? " - find companies specializing in cheap domestic transportation in Vietnam or specialized routes.
• Warehouse & storage management: Including warehouse rental in Binh Duong or other areas, warehouse import and export, SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) management, inventory control, and inventory management . " What are the benefits of using warehouse management software? " - helps to accurately track inventory, optimize space, and increase import and export speed.
• Fulfillment Service: Especially important for e-commerce stores. Including receiving goods from suppliers, warehousing, order processing (collecting goods, packing), and last-mile delivery to the end customer . " Need to outsource all logistics activities for e-commerce stores " or " Fulfillment service in Hanoi for online shops " are very common needs.
• Customs procedures & Freight forwarding: Including preparing documents, paying taxes, working with the Customs Authority to clear goods for export/import. Cooperate with a Customs broker or Forwarder . " What fees are included in the full customs declaration service? " - usually includes the agent's service fee, specialized inspection fee (if any), taxes and customs fees paid to the state. This service is popular at border gates and seaports such as Cat Lai Port , Customs declaration service at Hai Phong port .
• Consolidation & Deconsolidation services: Consolidate small shipments from many shippers into a large shipment for more efficient transportation (especially for shipping goods to the Northern provinces or internationally), and vice versa, divide large shipments into smaller shipments for distribution. " Where to find a reputable international consolidation service? " - find freight forwarding companies with a global network.
• Cross-docking: Transfer goods directly from receiving vehicle to sending vehicle without long-term storage.
• Fleet management & Route optimization: Manage Transportation Vehicles and use software to plan the most efficient delivery routes.
• Cargo Packaging & Cargo Handling: Prepare goods safely for transportation and perform loading and unloading work at warehouses, seaports/airports/train stations/bus stations such as Tan Son Nhat Airport , Tien Son ICD .
• Specialized Logistics Services: Logistics for frozen goods, dangerous goods, agricultural products ( Logistics services for agricultural products in the West ), etc., require specialized expertise and infrastructure.

Reference Price List for Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services

The Brand Manager VN team understands that when businesses are looking into Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services , the question of cost is one of the top concerns. However, this is a highly specific and volatile field, making it almost impossible to provide a fixed and detailed "reference price list" for all cases. The cost of this service depends on countless factors, including service type, product characteristics, distance, transportation method, volume, frequency, and supplier.

Based on our research and experience working with Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) in Vietnam, we have found that costs are often calculated based on complex models, combining many factors:

1. By unit of goods:
   • By weight (KG) or volume (m³): Common for less than container load (LCL, LTL), express, or less than container/truckload shipments. Rates typically decrease as weight/volume increases.
   • By container (TEU): Applicable to full container load (FCL) shipping by sea or road container.
   • By package/pallet: For storage or handling of goods by packing unit.
2. By distance and route: Transportation costs increase according to distance and route complexity (inner city, inner province, inter-province, international, remote areas).
3. By mode of transport: Air transport is usually the most expensive, followed by sea, rail and road.
4. By service type: Simple transportation, warehousing, customs declaration, fulfillment, or value-added services (packaging, labeling...).
5. By time: Storage costs are calculated by day/week/month. Waiting fees (Demurrage, Detention) are calculated by day.
6. By procedure unit: Customs Clearance costs are usually calculated per declaration or shipment.
7. By service package or contract: Full-service fulfillment or supply chain management services may have a flat fee for a few basic services, plus variable fees based on order quantity, SKU, or inventory volume.
8. Surcharges: In addition to the basic freight, there are many other surcharges depending on the mode of transport and route (e.g. THC, Seal, BAF, CAF, lifting fees, document fees...).

Below are some reference prices for the main components of Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services in Vietnam, based on public information and our experience. We would like to strongly emphasize that these are only reference figures at a certain point in time and can change very quickly, especially for sea and air freight:

• Domestic Freight Transport (Road):
  • By Container Trip: About 2,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/trip for distance under 100km (depending on 20ft/40ft container type). About 25,000 - 45,000 VND/km for distance 100-500km. Refrigerated cargo can increase by 30-50%.
  • Retail / Small shipments (express delivery): Price is calculated by KG or fixed package for small weight (eg: under 10KG). Price starts from about 20,000 VND/KG (for short distances, large volume) and can be up to several tens of thousands of VND/KG for small, long distance, express service.
  • Full Load / Bulk: Prices can be calculated per KG or m³, with prices decreasing according to volume. For example, from around VND 4,500/KG or VND 1,700,000/m³ for very large general cargo on main routes.
• Domestic Freight (Sea Container):
  • Basic freight rates for 20ft/40ft containers on main routes (eg: HCM - Hai Phong, HCM - Da Nang) range from about 3,500,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND/container or more, depending on the time and shipping line. Additional charges such as THC, D/O, container cleaning fees, etc. need to be added.
  • Less than container load (LCL) is calculated by CBM or KG (conversion: 1 ton = 3 CBM) with separate price.
• International Freight (Sea Container):
  • Freight rates fluctuate greatly depending on the route (Asia, Europe, America...), shipping line, and market situation. Prices are calculated in USD/container (20ft/40ft) . A very general reference example can range from a few hundred USD (short Asia route) to a few thousand USD (route to Europe/America) for basic rates, NOT including countless surcharges ( Demurrage , Detention , THC, Seal, Docs Fee, Peak Season Surcharge - PSS, fuel price fluctuation surcharge...).
• International Freight (Air):
  • Prices are calculated in USD/KG or USD/m³ (depending on "chargeable weight" - Chargeable Weight, based on converting volume to weight, usually 1 m³ = 167 KG). Freight rates decrease according to the volume of goods sent. For example, a route to the US can be from about 10 USD/KG or more for regular goods, with lower prices for larger volumes and surcharges for special goods (food, cosmetics...).
• Warehouse rental:
  • Shared Warehouse: Price is calculated by m³ or Pallet/month , ranging from 65,000 - 130,000 VND/m³/month or equivalent by Pallet/package.
  • Private Warehouse: Price is calculated by m²/month , ranging from about 40,000 VND to more than 150,000 VND/m²/month depending on location (big cities such as Logistics services in Ho Chi Minh City or Warehouse rental in Binh Duong are often more expensive than other provinces), rental area (renting large areas has lower unit prices), and warehouse standards. Cool/cold storage is much more expensive.
  • File storage: About 8,000 - 12,000 VND/box/month .
• Customs Declaration Service:
  • The service fee of the Customs Broker is calculated for each declaration . The reference price ranges from about 750,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND/declaration , depending on the declaration flow (green, yellow, red), the border gate ( Customs declaration service at Hai Phong port , border gate), and the complexity of the shipment (number of HS codes, whether specialized inspection is required). This is the service fee, NOT including taxes, customs fees and costs at the port/airport (D/O, lifting fees...).
• Fulfillment Services (E-commerce):
  • The pricing model is complex, often including fees for: importing goods (per item/order), warehousing (per m² or SKU/month), order processing (picking & packing, per item/order), and shipping fees ( Last-mile Delivery - according to the carrier's rate sheet).
  • Some suppliers offer simple packages of around VND5,000/product or around VND15,000/order for basic products/orders (excluding last-mile shipping and warehousing). Total logistics costs for E-commerce are usually around 10-20% of the order value .

Important advice from Brand Manager VN:

Obtaining an accurate quote for Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services requires detailed communication between the business and the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) . To receive the most appropriate quote, you need to provide complete information about:

1. Type of goods: Name of goods, characteristics (fragile, liquid, chemical, food, cold goods...), value. " How to minimize risks during the transportation of fragile goods? " is a question to discuss when requesting a quote.
2. Quantity/Volume: Weight, volume, dimensions, number of packages/pallets/containers.
3. Departure and destination: Specific addresses or ports/airports/border gates.
4. Transport method: Road, sea, air, or combination.
5. Shipping/Storage Frequency: One-time or frequent shipments? How long to store?
6. Scope of service required: Just shipping, or including warehousing, packaging, customs declaration, fulfillment...?
7. Time and quality requirements: Need express or standard delivery? Desired level of Supply Chain Visibility ?

The Brand Manager VN team understands that navigating the complex world of Logistics can be challenging. Using a professional Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Service gives you access to more competitive rates and more efficient service thanks to LSP 's network and experience.

We are always ready to advise to help your business clearly identify logistics needs and find the most reputable and suitable Third-Party Logistics Service Providers (3PL - Third-Party Logistics) in Vietnam.

Let us optimize the flow of goods and enhance your supply chain! Brand Manager VN always wants to accompany you.

Technology Applications In Supply Chain & Logistics

Technology is a key driver of efficiency in modern Supply Chain Operations . Leading Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) are constantly investing in technology:

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are the core software for managing warehousing and transportation operations. " What are the benefits of using warehouse management software? " - Increase inventory accuracy, optimize space, reduce order processing time.
• Supply Chain Visibility and Order Tracking System using GPS, RFID, IoT in supply chain helps track the location and status of goods in real time.
• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) helps exchange electronic data between parties involved in the supply chain (suppliers, carriers, customs...) quickly and accurately.
• Big Data in logistics and data analytics help forecast demand ( Demand forecasting ), optimize inventory, and plan transportation more efficiently.
• Systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MRP II (Manufacturing Resource Planning) often have integrated modules to manage SCM and Logistics .

Risk Management & Sustainability Assurance

Supply chains always have many potential risks (natural disasters, epidemics, transportation incidents, price fluctuations...). Professional Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) have experience in Supply Chain Risk Management , building contingency plans and knowing how to respond when there are incidents in the supply chain .

The current trend is also to ensure sustainability in the supply chain , including minimizing environmental impact (route optimization, using environmentally friendly vehicles), social responsibility (working conditions), and compliance with regulations.

Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Services for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

For small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operations in Vietnam, outsourcing Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services is a strategic decision that helps them overcome many barriers:

• Access to infrastructure, technology and logistics networks that they would not normally be able to build themselves.
• Significantly reduce initial investment costs in warehouses, fleets, and management software.
• Overcoming the shortage of specialized personnel in Logistics and SCM .
• Improve Improve logistics performance to compete fairly with large enterprises.
• Solve complex problems such as Cross-border Logistics or Last-mile Delivery in difficult areas.
• Meet the increasing customer demand for delivery speed and Track and Trace capabilities.

The question " Need to outsource all logistics activities for e-commerce stores. " clearly shows the need of SMEs to free themselves from the logistics burden to focus on sales.

Choosing a Reputable Supply Chain & Logistics Service Provider

Choosing the right Logistics Service Provider (LSP) is a key factor in determining the success of an outsourcing strategy. The Brand Manager VN team has some advice:

• Experience and reputation: Choose logistics companies in Vietnam with many years of experience and good reputation in the market. Find out about the projects they have implemented and their current customers.
• Service scope and network: Make sure LSP can provide all the services you need (transportation, warehousing, customs procedures, fulfillment...) and has a wide network of operations, especially if you need to transport goods to Hanoi from Da Nang or cheap domestic transportation in Vietnam to distant provinces.
• Technology Capabilities: Prioritize LSPs investing in management technology ( WMS, TMS ), Supply Chain Visibility , and data integration capabilities ( EDI ).
• Industry expertise: If your business deals with specific industries (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals), look for an LSP that has experience handling these types of goods and is knowledgeable about relevant regulations. " Need advice on logistics solutions for the food industry. " - this is where the experts come in.
• SLA Commitment: Clear SLA (Service Level Agreement) on delivery time ( ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) , ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) ), successful delivery rate, loss/damage rate, and POD (Proof of Delivery) capability.
• Security and safety: Especially important when shipping valuable or fragile goods. Learn about insurance and cargo handling procedures.
• Location of operation: If you need to concentrate in a certain area, look for Logistics Companies in specific industrial parks [Industrial Park Name] , ports ( Cat Lai Port , ICD Tien Son ) or airports ( Tan Son Nhat Airport ).

Observations From VN Brand Manager Team

From a strategic and operational perspective, we see Supply Chain & Logistics management as no longer a “back-office” function but a competitive differentiator. An efficient supply chain can help businesses reduce product costs, shorten time to market, and deliver a better experience to the End Customer .

We have seen SMEs, by strategically partnering with Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) , scale their business rapidly, reaching customers in new geographies that were previously difficult. The burden of Freight Cost , managing Bonded Warehouse , or dealing with Demurrage and Detention is no longer a constant concern. They can use data from LSPs to make better decisions on Supplier Management or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) optimization.

LSP 's professionalism is demonstrated through the ability to provide complete documents such as BOL (Bill of Lading) or AWB (Air Waybill) , understanding of Incoterms , and the ability to manage complex processes from Cross-docking to Reverse Logistics .

Conclude

In a volatile and competitive business environment, Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Services is an indispensable strategic solution to help businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. It allows businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) , to access expertise, infrastructure, and modern technology to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of goods.

By entrusting Supply Chain Operations and Logistics Operations tasks to professional Third-Party Logistics Service Providers (3PL) , businesses can focus resources on product development, brand building and market expansion, thereby creating sustainable competitive advantages.

Brand Manager VN team, with experience in strategic consulting and market understanding, is always ready to accompany your business in assessing Logistics and SCM needs, choosing the right outsourcing partner, and building a truly efficient and flexible supply chain.

Let us turn Supply Chain & Logistics into your strong competitive advantage! Brand Manager VN always wants to accompany you.