UNDERSTANDING ICD PORTS – INLAND CONTAINER DEPOTS

In multimodal transportation, ICD ports (Inland Container Depots) play a crucial role. These ports help reduce transportation costs and warehousing times for goods. Follow the article below to learn more about them and their roles!

What is an ICD Port?

ICD (Inland Container Depot), also known as a dry port or inland port. According to Article 04 of the Vietnam Maritime Code, “A dry port is a part of the transport infrastructure, serving as a hub that links the activities of seaports, airports, inland waterway ports, railway stations, and land border gates. It also functions as a customs checkpoint for goods imported and exported by sea.”

Structure of an ICD Port

An ICD port consists of the following main areas:

Container yard;
Goods clearance area;
Container Freight Station (CFS);
Bonded warehouse;
Goods reprocessing and packaging area;
Office area;
Container handling gate;
Motorcycle-exclusive gate;
Container repair and cleaning workshop.

What is the Role of an ICD Port?

An ICD port is an important link in multimodal transport, helping reduce transportation costs and warehousing times for goods at the port. In the container transport system, inland ports connect production and consumption areas of import and export goods with seaports. ICD ports help alleviate container congestion at warehouses, supporting efficient goods release and transportation.

Functions of an Inland Container Depot

Goods Distribution Center: An ICD is a temporary storage location for containers before they are transferred to the port and loaded onto ships. Exporting businesses can also store their goods in containers at the ICD. Additionally, ICD ports facilitate goods transportation via rail and road, helping businesses save on transportation and circulation costs.

Container Staging Area: Due to space limitations at seaports, ICDs help resolve difficulties for containers delivering goods to warehouses. During the customs clearance process, if there is no staging area, containers will cause congestion and hinder goods transportation. Therefore, ICD ports play an important role in reducing congestion.

Reduce Goods Circulation Time: Thanks to packing, warehousing, and customs clearance services, it significantly reduce goods circulation time.

The above provides some information on the roles and functions of ICD ports that we wish to share. Smart Link hopes that this article brings valuable information to readers about the import-export field.

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If you require assistance with international import and export of goods, please contact our team at Smartlink Logistics. We are available to provide you with professional guidance on our services and the necessary customs procedures.

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