Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance

Faculty of Economics

MIDTERM REPORT
LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT - MGT1143E

Lecturer: MSc. Đỗ Thị Phương Nam

Course code: A06E
Member: Phạm Thị Phương Anh
Phạm Hà Âu Châu
Nguyễn Đoàn Gia Hân
Trần Văn Bảo Phát
Nguyễn Ngọc Lan Phương
Huỳnh Thị Thanh Thanh
Nguyễn Thị Kiều Trang
Ho Chi Minh city, October 16th, 2024
 Đánh giá
Đánh giá nhiệm vụ (*) chung mức
độ thực hiện

Trung bình (40-69)%

Biên soạn slide, biên
Chỉnh sửa, hoàn thiện
Trực tiếp viết bài và

gia clip, trả lời phản

Đóng góp ý kiến cho

Tổ chức, điều hành

biên soạn nội dung

Thuyết trình, tham

Tham gia phản biện

Xây dựng đề cương
S

Giỏi (85-100)%
Sưu tầm tài liệu

Khá (70-84)%

Yếu (0-39)%
T Họ tên MSSV

toàn bài

bài viết

bài viết
T

kịch

biện
1 Phạm Thị Phương Anh 225080423 X X X X X x X X X X
2 Phạm Hà Âu Châu 225081590 X X X X X X X X X
3 Nguyễn Đoàn Gia Hân 225080014 X X X X X X X X X
4 Trần Văn Bảo Phát 225086032 X X X X x X X X x X
5 Nguyễn Ngọc Lan Phương 225080142 X X X X X X X X X
6 Huỳnh Thị Thanh Thanh 225087131 x X X X X X X X x
7 Nguyễn Thị Kiều Trang 225085693 X X x x X X x X X
(*) Đánh giá phần này theo quy ước sau:
- Tốt : T
Trưởng nhóm:
- Khá : K
- Trung bình : TB Phạm Thị Phương Anh
- Yếu : Y
- Không tham gia: 
Questions
1. List 3 areas visited during the trip. State the function of each area and its role in
the port.
2. Why do goods need to be lashed in containers, and why do containers need to be
lashed on ships? List the rules required in lashing operations.
3. What is the role of container seals? Why do containers need to be sealed with lead
locks instead of using regular locks?
4. What is the maximum capacity of ships that Cat Lai Port can accommodate? What
is the total operating time of a ship at the wharf in Cat Lai? What types of goods
are currently stored at the CFS warehouse in Cat Lai?
Requirements
 This assignment is a group report.
 You must use Times New Roman, Font size 13, Line and paragraph spacing 1.5,
Margin normal (top, left, bottom and right 2.54 cm).

 You should use in-text references and a list of all cited sources at the end of the
essay by applying the APA referencing style.
 The recommended word limit is 3000 words (+/-10%), excluding the tables,
graphs, diagrams, appendixes, and references. However, the report should be
written in a concise, formal business style.
 You must use the above cover page as prescribed with full information.
 Remember to convert the Word file into a PDF file before submission to LMS.
 Fail Pass Good Distinction
Assessment criteria
(1-4) (5-6) (7-8) (9-10)
1. List 3 areas visited during the trip. State
the function of each area and its role in the
port.
2. Why do goods need to be lashed in
containers, and why do containers need to
be lashed on ships? List the rules required
in lashing operations.
3. What is the role of container seals? Why
do containers need to be sealed with lead
locks instead of using regular locks?
4. What is the maximum capacity of ships
that Cat Lai Port can accommodate? What
is the total operating time of a ship at the
wharf in Cat Lai? What types of goods are
currently stored at the CFS warehouse in
Cat Lai?
Average score:
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................3
QUESTION.........................................................................................................................4
1. List 3 areas visited during the trip. State the function of each area and its role in
the port.............................................................................................................................4
2. Why do goods need to be lashed in containers, and why do containers need to be
lashed on ships? List the rules required in lashing operations.........................................8
3. What is the role of container seals? Why do containers need to be sealed with lead
locks instead of using regular locks?.............................................................................11
4. What is the maximum capacity of ships that Cat Lai Port can accommodate? What
is the total operating time of a ship at the wharf in Cat Lai? What types of goods are
currently stored at the CFS warehouse in Cat Lai?.......................................................16
 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES
Image 1. Cat Lai port...........................................................................................................3
Image 2. CFS Warehouse at Cat Lai port............................................................................5
Image 3. Implement the inspector activities........................................................................6
Image 4. The Wharf B7 at Cat Lai port...............................................................................7
Image 5. Goods lashed in container.....................................................................................9
Image 6. Containers lashed on the ship.............................................................................10
Image 7. Bolt seal..............................................................................................................12
Image 8. Steel Cable Seal..................................................................................................13
Image 9. Force pliers.........................................................................................................15
Image 10. The largest ship docks at Cat Lai port..............................................................17
Image 11. Backlogged containers......................................................................................18
Image 12. The difference between LCL and FCL.............................................................19
 REFERENCES
Cát Lái Port. Hệ thống cơ sở hạ tầng và trang thiết bị. Retrieved from https://tancang-
stc.vn/vi/8-nguyen-tac-vang-khi-xep-va-va%CC%A3n-chuye%CC%89n-hang-hoa-bang-
container/
Đức. (2020, May 24). Seal niêm phong là gi?.
Namhaico.https://namhaico.com.vn/blogs/tin-tuc/seal-niem-phong-la-gi
Namhaico. (2024). Tất tần tật về seal niêm phong. Namhaico.
https://namhaico.com.vn/blogs/tin-tuc/tat-tan-tat-ve-seal-niem-phong?view=amp
Mbf. Seal là gì?. Mbf. https://mbf.com.vn/seal-la-gi/
Xuatnhapkhauleanh. Seal là gì? Kẹp seal như thế nào khi xuất khẩu?.
https://xuatnhapkhauleanh.edu.vn/seal-la-gi-kep-seal-nhu-the-nao-khi-xuat-khau.html
Iso-logistics. Seal container là gì? Cấu tạo, chức năng và các loại Sea. Iso-logistics.
https://iso-logistics.vn/seal-container/
Thongtien. (2012-2021). Thông tin chi tiết về seal container bạn nhất định không nên bỏ
lỡ. Thongtien. https://thongtien.com/tin-tuc/seal-container/
Quan. (5/12/2017). Sử dụng khóa niêm phong- 5 lý do thật sự cần thiết!. Kimhaiseals.
https://kimhaiseals.vn/5-ly-do-de-ban-lua-chon-su-dung-khoa-niem-phong/
Công ty Cổ phần SIMEX. Phân biệt tàu chuyến (Voyage Charter) và tàu chợ (Liner).
SIMEX. https://www.simex.edu.vn/phan-biet-tau-chuyen-voyage-charter-va-tau-cho-
liner.html
Lê Ánh. Kho CFS là gì? Vai trò của kho CFS. https://xuatnhapkhauleanh.edu.vn/kho-cfs-
la-gi-vai-tro-cua-kho-cfs.html
Anh, H. (14/8/2014). Cảng biển thiệt hại lớn vì container tồn đọng. Báo Giao Thông.
https://www.baogiaothong.vn/cang-bien-thiet-hai-lon-vi-container-ton-dong-
192240812220508969.htm
https://ewms.tancangwarehousing.com.vn/search/einvoice
https://saigonnewport.com.vn/tin-tuc/hoat-dong-kinh-doanh/cang-tan-cang-cat-lai-don-
tau-lon-nhat-vao-cang.html
https://www.labelmaster.com/security/seals?
srsltid=AfmBOopmGuFNKA_LKnqb220jIF4-S3d7WuOACcyKXRMEZzj2_CeqW1Yq

2
 INTRODUCTION

Cat Lai Port, part of Ho Chi Minh City's port system, is managed by Tan Cang Saigon
Corporation under the Ministry of Defense. Located on the Dong Nai River, the port is 43
nautical miles from the Vung Tau pilot station and has a water depth of 12.5 meters in
front of the berth. This strategic location supports the port’s extensive capacity in
handling container throughput and accommodating large vessels.

Tan Cang-Cat Lai Port spans an area of 160 hectares with 10 berths stretching over 2
kilometers. In addition to its advanced container management system, the port is
equipped with thirty modern Panamax quay cranes. As the first port in the region to
receive cargo shipments across Southeast Vietnam, it benefits from its expansive
infrastructure and state-of-the-art machinery, enhancing its capacity to handle significant
trade volumes efficiently.

Cat Lai Port currently handles over 90% of the container throughput for import-export
activities in Ho Chi Minh City and nearly 50% nationwide. It ranks among the top 25
container ports in the world in terms of throughput. Its strategic location near industrial
parks and export processing zones in northern Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in the
provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai, makes it a key hub for trade in Vietnam.

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 Image 1. Cat Lai port.

QUESTION
1. List 3 areas visited during the trip. State the function of each area and its role
in the port.
List 3 areas visited during the trip

The 3 areas visited during the fieldtrip are:

 CFS warehouse area.

 Inspection house area – temporary office area.
 Wharf area – Specially wharf B7.

State the function of each area and its role in the port.

The function of the CFS Warehouse

The CFS warehouse, also known as Container Freight Station, is used for long-term
storage and is known as a consolidation warehouse, where goods are separated and
organized. Typically, it holds bulk, retail, transit, and transshipment goods. It also
performs packing and repacking functions. Goods awaiting export or import are arranged
based on their characteristics, with lighter items placed in higher positions. The primary
tasks at the CFS warehouse include separating or merging the products of many shippers
into a single container, which can help firms save money and speed the delivery of goods.
A CFS Warehouse has a variety of classifications for commodities, including imitation
products, counterfeit goods, banned items, and dangerous goods that must comply with
Vietnamese regulations and cannot be housed. The warehouse uses barcodes, forklift rack
codes, and a WMS (Warehouse Management System) to manage goods. Items flagged
for red channel inspection undergo checking within the warehouse, while others are
moved to the inspection office area.

4
 Image 2. CFS Warehouse at Cat Lai port.
The function of the inspection house

5
Inspectors are responsible for conducting comprehensive examinations of all goods,
either manually or using customs scanning equipment without the need to break customs
seals. Goods designated for inspection must be segregated and individually examined to
prevent the entry of harmful, non-compliant, or smuggled goods, as well as items subject
to stringent port-specific inspection criteria. All items undergo inspection, with three
customs clearance levels corresponding to green (level one), yellow (level two), and red
(level three) channels. Goods in the green channel are immediately released because the
enterprise is exempted from detailed inspection of documentation and detailed inspection
of the enterprise items if it follows the state’s lawful customs requirements. While those
in the yellow channel require minor corrections to accompanying invoices and
documentation. Goods in the red channel are subject to inspection against approximately
10,000 criteria, resulting in extended processing times and additional costs such as
container repositioning and storage fees. Inspection facilities include both main offices
and temporary stations. All documentation and records related to the goods are stored in
the main building.

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 Image 3. Implement the inspector activities.
The function of the pier

The pier is the main area where activities such as transshipment, loading and unloading
of goods, container handling, and customs clearance take place. When a ship arrives at
the pier and approaches buoy number 0, it must rely on a pilot boat and a tugboat, with
the pilot boat used for navigation and guidance into the port. The tugboat's role is to push
or pull large vessels to ensure safe and quick docking.

When a ship docks, it is secured with ropes that have been carefully calculated for length,
as the Dong Nai River has a limited draft, allowing only feeder vessels. The port
accommodates both scheduled and auxiliary vessels. Upon arrival, there are STS cranes
available to transfer goods from the ship to the dock. The STS cranes can handle both 20-
feet and 40-feet containers using a spreader lock, which allows for expansion or
contraction to accommodate these two container sizes. The crane features a cabin for
manual control. For Cat Lai port, the STS crane driver is always young to ensure that
they have enough eyesight and are clear-headed enough to do a job that requires precision
and meticulousness like this. And the person in charge of the STS crane cabin must go
through jobs such as driving or other jobs at the port for a certain period of time before
being able to work at the STS crane driver position.. This area is also equipped with
internal tractor trucks and forklifts to move containers to various designated yard areas
for different functions. As a result, the harbor serves the purpose of assisting ships in
leaving the port and docking by providing the required staff and means for ships to
anchor and unload cargo.

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 Image 4. The Wharf B7 at Cat Lai port.
2. Why do goods need to be lashed in containers, and why do containers need to
be lashed on ships? List the rules required in lashing operations.
Why do goods need to be lashed in containers, and why do containers need to be
lashed on ships?

Lashing is the process of securing cargo using straps, ropes, or strong fibers to ensure that
goods on ships, containers, or pallets remain fixed and safe during transportation. It is a
crucial safety practice in logistics to reduce the risk of accidents, damage, and losses.

The reason why goods need to be lashed in containers:

 Cargo must be properly lashed inside containers to ensure it remains securely fixed
during transport. This prevents issues like cargo shifting, breakage, or even falling off the
transport vehicle, which can lead to dangerous situations for people and damage to the
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 cargo or transport structure. Proper lashing ensures safety, minimizes damage, and avoids
accidents during long-distance transportation.

 The safety of container lashing is crucial in the shipping industry. Millions of containers
transport goods daily via sea, road, and rail. Secure lashings help containers withstand the
powerful forces of ocean waves and maintain stability during land transport. Strong
lashings are essential to prevent damage (such as breakage or dents) and reduce the risk
of accidents during long-distance transportation.

Image 5. Goods lashed in container.

The importance of securing containers on board:

 During transportation, containers are subjected to a variety of forces, including the

swaying of ships, the vibration of trucks and trains, and sudden movements during
handling. When properly applied, lashing straps will prevent cargo from shifting, tipping
over, or colliding with the container walls or other objects.

 Properly lashing containers will protect personnel involved in container handling

operations. Unlashed containers can pose a serious risk when loading or unloading,
potentially resulting in accidents, injuries, or even death.

9
 Its importance extends from protecting cargo to maintaining vessel stability.
Understanding and implementing appropriate container lashing techniques and equipment
is essential to protecting the integrity and safety of the global shipping industry.

 To comply with international regulations on lashing.

Image 6. Containers lashed on the ship.

The basic principles of cargo lashing include:

1. Check the condition of containers, pallets, and tools before lashing.

Before proceeding with lashing, check the condition of containers, pallets, straps, chains,
and other lashing tools. Make sure they are not damaged, cracked, or worn out, which
may affect their loadbearing capacity.

2. Heavy goods must be placed at the bottom, light goods on top.

10
When stacking goods on pallets or containers, heavy items should be placed at the bottom
to create a solid foundation, minimize the risk of breakage, and help maintain stability
during transportation. Light goods should be placed at the top to avoid being crushed.

3. Do not stack goods that spill out of the pallet.

Goods must fit neatly within the size of the pallet. Do not leave excess goods outside
because it will make transportation difficult, may damage the goods or affect safety

4. Distribute the weight of the goods evenly from the beginning to the end of the
container.

The weight of the goods should be evenly distributed from the front (head of the
container) to the back (door of the container). Avoid putting too much weight on one
side, which can cause imbalance when the container is lifted or placed on the transport
vehicle.

5. Limit the height of goods when stacked on a pallet.

The maximum height allowed when stacked on a pallet is 1.6 m from the floor to the
highest position of the package. This limit is designed to reduce the risk of tipping over,
facilitate the pallet stacker, and ensure that the forklift driver does not have a blocked
view when moving the pallet.

6. It is necessary to tie and pad the packages together to form a block.

Packages on the same pallet need to be tied firmly and fixed together to form a solid
block. This helps to avoid displacement during transportation, protect the goods from
damage, and keep the rope always taut to create stability.

7. The labels on the packages should be placed on the outside when stacking the
goods.

When stacking goods, labels or product information should be placed on the outside, easy
to observe. This makes the process of checking, identifying, and managing goods easier.
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3. What is the role of container seals? Why do containers need to be sealed with
lead locks instead of using regular locks?
Container seal is also known as container lead clamp or container seal lock. This is a
product made from ABS plastic combined with metal. In addition, there is an extremely
sturdy one-way locking system placed deep inside. Each container will be sealed with a
unique lead number, unlike any other lead number, to ensure that the container is not
replaced with another seal. If there is a change, meaning the goods have changed, the
importer has the right to not receive the goods and to hold the carrier responsible.

Structure:

- Lock: is made up of a structure including a one-way lock and is only used once.
- Seal body: is a long surface with a variety of shapes (rectangular, circular, cylindrical)
where there are special components (counterpart, serrated, grooved) to help increase
security when the seal locking operation is completed. In addition, the seal body will
show serial numbers, company names, logos, or special details.

Types of container seals commonly used:

Steel Bolt Security Seals:

A bolt seal or lead lock is one of the most commonly used seals in the transportation
industry across sea, road, and air transport. It is known for its durability and high-quality
material, making it ideal for sealing containers, warehouses, and truck doors. Its robust
design ensures security during transit, preventing tampering and ensuring cargo integrity.

12
 Image 7. Bolt seal.
Steel Cable Security Seals:
Steel Cable Security Seals are a type of cable lock that is used quite commonly compared
to bolt seals. In addition to container lead clamps, it is also used to seal trucks, truck lead
clamps, and car dashboards. It is very sturdy and safe.

Image 8. Steel Cable Seal.

Information printed on container seal:

13
 Normally, the following information will be printed on container seals:

- Serial Number
- Company Name
- Logo
- Prefix
- Barcode
- Signature
- Name of product

Depending on company regulations, not all 7 pieces of information need to be displayed

on a seal. Due to the small surface area of the seal, companies may choose to include
only a few key details rather than all the information.

The role of container seals:

For business:

- Container seals are used to close the container door, ensuring the quality and quantity of
goods in the container remain intact, avoiding theft and swapping of goods. In addition, it
also helps identify the business brand based on the information printed on the seal.

14
 For custom:

- Container seals help customs inspect and monitor means of transport and goods during
the process of customs clearance for import and export goods.
- In addition, during the transportation of goods, container seals are known as important
items that help the delivery and receipt process go smoothly and safely. Specifically, the
role of seals in transportation activities must be mentioned as follows:

 The role in transport:

- All containers, whether LCL (less-than-container load) or FCL (full-container
load), need to use seals to ensure security during transportation.
- Prove that the container has been properly sealed at the port of departure, ensuring
that during the entire shipping process, the container is not opened before being
delivered to the recipient.
- Effectively prevent acts of emptying containers, theft, or taking advantage of
smuggling and illegal goods.
 The role in shipping documents:
- Provide complete information for the bill of lading of the shipment upon delivery.
- This is also a way to help prevent goods from being lost during the import and
export process.

Containers need to be sealed with lead locks instead of using regular locks

- Lead lock is a special type of seal that can only be used once. If damaged, it can
only be discarded and cannot be reused.
- Lead locks can only be cut with specialized tools and can only be cut by
authorized personnel.

15
 Image 9. Force pliers.
At the same time, lead seals are different from conventional locks in that they can ensure
the following criteria:

- Security of goods: They protect goods from theft, tampering, and unauthorized
access.
- Compliance with international regulations: Many countries and international
shipping regulations require the use of container seals for import and export
goods.
- Traceability: Container seals often have a unique identification number, allowing
for tracking and verification throughout the supply chain.
- Insurance: Proper sealing may be a requirement for insurance coverage, ensuring
that claims can be verified in the event of loss or damage.

4. What is the maximum capacity of ships that Cat Lai Port can accommodate?
What is the total operating time of a ship at the wharf in Cat Lai? What types
of goods are currently stored at the CFS warehouse in Cat Lai?
What is the maximum capacity of ships that Cat Lai Port can accommodate?

Cat Lai port is one of 7 feeder port clusters of the Tan Cang Saigon system with a depth
before wharf of -12 m and a depth of channel of -8.6 m (tide: 0.8–3.8). Therefore, the
port is unable to receive large container ships, especially Ultra Large Container Ships
(ULCS), with a capacity of tens of thousands of TEUs. The vessel tonnage available is
16
approximately 45.000 DWT. Ships operating on the Inner Asia route that have a capacity
of less than 3,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, unit equivalent to 1 20-foot
container). The biggest ship Cat Lai used to welcome was 2.900 TEU. Feeder ships, a
category of cargo ships, are distinguished by their size, operational capabilities,
equipment, and specific purpose within the marine industry. The primary purpose of
feeder ships is to “feed” cargo to larger ships or transport goods from central container
terminals to larger ships or smaller regional ports.

Image 10. The largest ship docks at Cat Lai port.

What is the total operating time of a ship at the wharf in Cat Lai?

Due to the aforementioned feeder vessels operating at Cat Lai port, all of which have a
capacity of 3000 TEUs, the total operating time of a ship at the wharf typically averages
12 to 18 hours. Besides, the time also depends on various factors, such as vessel size,
cargo volume, and port congestion, which may be less than 12 hours. Liner Charter and
Voyage Charter are two different types of shipping contracts that govern the transport of
cargo by sea. Because liner shipping operates on a fixed schedule, cargo loading and

17
unloading is relatively quick compared to voyage vessels, which typically carry bulk
cargo or special cargo as required by the customer, and therefore the loading and
unloading process usually takes longer than that of liner vessels. However, during peak
periods or times of high port traffic, this time could extend to more hours compared to
regulations. In 2021, after 3 weeks of social distancing according to Directive 16, the
amount of inventory in Cat Lai port increased; more than 100,000 containers were'stuck'
at Cat Lai port.

Image 11. Backlogged containers.

What types of goods are currently stored at the CFS warehouse in Cat Lai?

The CFS (Container Freight Station) warehouse in Cat Lai port is a warehouse used to
store LCL (less than container load) goods. Each shipper has a small amount of goods,
not enough to fill a full container, so the goods must be brought into CFS to exploit the
goods and pack different items of different shippers into the container. The work in the
CFS warehouse will help separate or consolidate goods of many shippers in the same
container. It not only helps businesses save costs but is also a measure to transport goods
more effectively. In addition, Cat Lai Port also provides services such as renting private

18
areas so that companies can use them as separate places for storing and preserving goods
or separate transportation and storage areas for their businesses.

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Image 12. The difference between LCL and FCL.

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