ICD, depot and port instructions often appear next to each other in bookings, empty release orders and trucking plans, which makes them easy to confuse. They perform different functions: a seaport connects vessels with the shore; an inland container depot or dry port moves container handling and, where authorized, customs functions inland; a container depot commonly manages empty-container pickup, return, storage, inspection, cleaning and repair within the operator’s approved scope. Sending a truck to the wrong location can result in a rejected gate move, repositioning charges, storage, detention or a missed cut-off. This article compares location, operating function, container status, customs capability, documents and the practical checks required before dispatch.

Prepared by TGIMEX · Updated: 21 July 2026 · Scope: container shipping and import-export logistics

QUICK FACTS

Seaport

The vessel–shore interface, including port land, port waters, berths and equipment serving vessels and cargo.

ICD / dry port

An inland transport node whose statutory functions include container receipt/dispatch, stuffing/stripping and customs inspection/completion; verify the opening decision and actual operating setup.

Container depot

A facility commonly used for empty pickup/return, storage, inspection, cleaning or repair, subject to the operator’s actual scope.

Not interchangeable by default

A facility branded as an ICD may provide several services, but not every depot is a legally opened dry port or customs location.

Read each movement separately

Empty pickup, empty return, full-container gate-in, customs clearance and loading port may be different places.

Illustration for How Are ICDs, Container Depots and Seaports Different? — Illustration of the logistics topic, document or operation discussed in the article.

SCOPE

This article applies to FCL/LCL import, export and domestic container movements involving seaports, ICDs/dry ports, container yards and depots. It focuses on selecting the correct place for empty pickup/return, full-container delivery, customs work and carrier handover.

“ICD” may be used commercially as a familiar label. In Vietnam, verify whether the facility is legally announced as a dry port, recognized for customs operations, or merely operates as a container yard/depot. A commercial name does not determine its legal authority.

KEY TERMS

Term	Operational meaning	Recognition clue
Seaport	An area comprising port land and port waters, with infrastructure for vessels to arrive, depart and handle cargo.	Has navigation access, port waters, berths and quays; directly receives seagoing vessels.
Port terminal / berth	A specific operating facility within a seaport where vessels berth and containers are handled.	Bookings usually identify a terminal rather than only the broad seaport.
Dry port	An inland transport hub linked to seaports and other modes, with functions relating to import-export cargo.	Legally announced/opened and equipped for cargo, containers, connectivity and relevant authorities.
ICD	Common abbreviation for Inland Container Depot. In Vietnam it is often used for a dry port or inland clearance point, but legal status must be checked.	The word ICD in a name is not enough; verify the opening decision, customs location code and approved services.
Container depot	A container facility typically providing empty storage, pickup/return, inspection, cleaning, maintenance or repair. Laden-container acceptance is not automatic and requires explicit carrier/facility confirmation.	Often shown on empty release/return instructions and EIRs; customs capability is not automatic.
CY – Container Yard	A container stacking and interchange yard at a terminal, port or depot; also used in CY/CY delivery terms.	A yard/delivery concept, not a single legal facility category.

HOW THE THREE NODES WORK

1. The seaport manages the vessel–shore interface

Vietnam’s Maritime Code defines a seaport as port land plus port waters with infrastructure for vessel arrival, departure and cargo handling. One seaport may contain multiple terminals and berths. Therefore, “cargo arrives at Hai Phong port” is not sufficient for dispatch: the terminal, gate and pickup area must be confirmed.

2. An ICD/dry port moves logistics functions inland

A dry port may receive and dispatch containerized cargo, stuff and strip containers, consolidate cargo, store cargo and containers, connect to the seaport and complete customs procedures where applicable. Decree 106/2026/ND-CP describes a dry port as an inland transport hub linked with seaports, airports, inland waterways, railways or land borders and having a border-gate function for import-export goods.

3. A depot mainly supports the container equipment cycle

Depots are commonly used for empty release and return, storage, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and repair. The scope varies: some accept empty containers only; others may handle laden containers or stuffing/stripping. Carrier instructions and depot service rules control the actual movement.

4. One shipment may pass through all three

Depot: empty pickup→Shipper premises: stuffing→ICD/dry port: gate-in, customs or rail/barge transfer→Seaport terminal: vessel loading

Control principle: empty pickup, full-container gate-in, customs location, loading/discharge terminal and empty return are five separate data fields.

COMPARISON TABLE

Criterion	ICD / dry port	Container depot	Seaport / terminal
Location	Inland, near industrial zones or road/rail/barge corridors.	Often outside or near ports and industrial areas, following the carrier’s equipment network.	Connected to the sea through port waters, channels, berths and quays.
Primary role	Inland–seaport transport organization; statutory functions include container/cargo handling and customs inspection/completion.	Container equipment storage and cycle management; scope varies by facility.	Vessel reception, ship loading/discharge and terminal delivery.
Seagoing vessel calls	No.	No.	Yes, at a suitable berth/terminal.
Empty containers	May store/release/receive depending on services.	Usually a core activity.	May have empty stacks, but this is not the only function.
Laden containers	Yes; this is within the core dry-port functions.	Not automatic. Use only where the carrier instructs and the facility confirms acceptance.	Yes, for vessel loading/discharge and delivery.
Stuffing/stripping	A statutory dry-port function under Article 100 of the Maritime Code.	Not automatic; only where the depot expressly offers the service and applicable operating requirements are met.	May be provided at CFS/warehouse/yard facilities.
Customs procedures	Customs inspection and completion are statutory dry-port functions; for a shipment, verify the customs location code, operating scope and actual customs arrangement.	Not automatic; only if separately recognized/authorized.	Customs supervision applies to cargo moving through the port area.
Typical documents	Gate orders, EIR, declaration/customs supervision data, warehouse/yard tickets.	Empty release/return order, EIR, cleaning/repair record.	Booking, D/O, terminal order, EIR, VGM, gate pass and manifest.
Typical mistake	Assuming the ICD name proves legal/customs scope.	Assuming all depots accept laden boxes or another carrier’s equipment.	Using the correct seaport but the wrong terminal or gate.

DOCUMENTS AND DATA TO CHECK

Document/data	Issuer/preparer	Purpose	Fields to match
Booking confirmation	Carrier/forwarder	Vessel, voyage, loading port, terminal, cut-offs and equipment instructions.	POL, terminal, closing time, equipment size/type and empty pickup depot.
Empty release order	Carrier/agent	Authorizes collection of an empty container.	Depot, quantity, size/type, validity and booking/shipper.
EIR	Depot/terminal	Records equipment interchange and condition.	Container number, seal, gate time, damage remarks, truck/driver.
Full-container gate-in order	Terminal/ICD/forwarder	Registers full container delivery.	Location, booking, container, weight and cut-off.
Delivery Order	Carrier/agent	Authorizes import container delivery.	B/L, container, delivery location, validity and fee status.
Customs declaration/supervision data	Trader/customs authority	Controls clearance and movement through supervised areas.	Location code, customs office, container, seal and vehicle.
Empty return instruction	Carrier/agent	Specifies where the empty must be returned.	Correct depot, equipment type, return deadline and condition.
Tariff and facility rules	Depot/ICD/terminal	Controls handling, storage, repair and overtime charges.	Unit, charging start, free period, taxes and surcharges.

OPERATING PROCESS

Separate all locations: empty pickup depot, stuffing place, ICD if used, full gate-in terminal and loading port.
Verify legal and operating status: for an ICD/dry port, check opening/recognition documents, customs code and actual services.
Confirm cut-offs: terminal gate-in, SI, VGM and customs cut-offs may differ.
Validate the empty release: carrier, size/type, depot, validity and equipment condition.
Inspect at gate-out: record damage on the EIR and take photographs before leaving the depot.
Stuff and seal correctly: align container, seal, gross weight and shipping documents.
Gate in at the exact location: never assume an ICD, depot and terminal can receive cargo interchangeably.
Complete customs/supervision steps: use the correct location code and approved movement route.
For imports, reconfirm empty return: the nominated depot may change with yard capacity.
Keep interchange evidence: EIRs, weighbridge tickets, photographs and cost confirmations.

COMMON RISKS

Error	Cause	Impact	Control
Correct port, wrong terminal	Only the general port name was read.	Rejected gate, missed cut-off and repositioning cost.	Put terminal, gate and location code on the trucking order.
Wrong empty pickup depot	Old instruction or verbal information was used.	No equipment release or extra truck run.	Confirm the release order immediately before dispatch.
Wrong empty return depot	Carrier nomination changed with yard capacity.	Rejected return, detention and trucking cost.	Obtain a current return instruction for the specific box.
Assuming a depot has customs	Commercial depot confused with a dry port/customs location.	Planned clearance or transfer cannot be executed.	Verify legal status and customs location code.
Assuming every ICD has rail/barge	General concept treated as actual connectivity.	Unworkable transport plan.	Check actual mode connection and schedule.
No damage remark on EIR	Driver did not inspect the empty.	Repair-cost dispute upon return.	Photograph all sides, floor, doors and roof; insist on EIR remarks.
Confusing storage with DEM/DET	Charging points and collectors were combined.	Incorrect cost estimate and weak dispute evidence.	Separate terminal storage, demurrage, detention and depot charges.

LEGAL BASIS AND SOURCES

Sources reviewed on 21 July 2026. Actual terminal/depot nomination and customs location status may change and must be reconfirmed for each shipment.

Source	Role	Application note
Vietnam Maritime Code No. 95/2015/QH13	Defines seaports and their functions and sets out dry-port functions.	The Code is recorded as partially expired; Articles 73, 76 and 100 cited here must be read with current amendments and implementing instruments.
Decree 106/2026/ND-CP	Current rules on dry-port investment, construction, management and operation.	Issued 31 March 2026; effective 15 May 2026; replaces Decree 38/2017/ND-CP on dry ports.
Maersk Shipping Glossary – Container Depot/Container Yard	Carrier-industry reference for depot/CY use and equipment interchange.	Actual scope remains subject to carrier and facility rules.
Maersk Inland Container Depot Guide	International operational reference for ICDs as inland logistics nodes.	Does not replace Vietnamese legal requirements.

Translation note: English descriptions of Vietnamese legislation are for operational reference and are not official legal translations.

FAQ

1. Is every facility named ICD legally a dry port?

No. Verify its opening decision, customs status, location code and approved functions rather than relying on its commercial name.

2. Does a depot accept laden containers?

Not automatically. Many depots primarily handle empties, and carrier guidance notes that a depot may not receive loaded containers. Send a laden box only under a current written carrier instruction and confirmed facility acceptance.

3. Are a seaport and a terminal the same?

Not exactly. A seaport may contain multiple terminals and berths; the booking or D/O identifies the actual operating terminal.

4. Can an empty be returned to the pickup depot?

Not automatically. The carrier may nominate a different return depot and may change the nomination according to yard capacity.

5. After customs clearance at an ICD, must an export box still go to the seaport?

For ocean export, it must still reach the nominated loading terminal under the approved transport and customs-supervision plan.

6. Does CY mean depot or port?

CY means container yard or a container delivery point. It can be located at a port terminal, depot or another facility; read the named location.

7. Is an ICD always cheaper than direct port delivery?

No. Compare total trucking/rail/barge, handling, transfer, storage, cut-off and schedule-risk costs.

APPLICATION NOTE: A facility’s commercial name does not establish its legal function. Before dispatch, lock the exact name, location/customs code, terminal or depot code, accepted equipment status, opening hours, cut-offs and valid carrier instruction.

TGIMEX IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

TGIMEX helps businesses turn the article into a shipment-ready checklist, covering input-data review, dossier preparation, milestone control, and coordination with the relevant parties.

Convert guidance into checks

Assign an owner and deadline to every operational control point.

Reconcile shipment data

Compare booking, transport, commercial, customs, and delivery evidence.

Manage operational risk

Record discrepancies, actions, and decision evidence to prevent recurrence.

Discuss your shipment dossier

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