What a freight quote should actually tell you

Start with the same shipment

Use identical origin and destination addresses, cargo-ready date, commodity, package count, dimensions, gross weight, and delivery needs. Disclose batteries, liquids, fragile cargo, or special handling requirements.

Compare the whole journey

List pickup, origin handling, main carriage, destination handling, customs service, duties, taxes, and final delivery. Mark each as included, excluded, estimated, or payable directly to a third party.

Check the assumptions

Ask about quote validity, capacity, routing, transit estimates, chargeable weight, currency, insurance, and what can trigger extra costs. A low main-carriage price may leave substantial local charges outside the quote.

Agree who does what

Record the agreed Incoterm and named place, importer of record, document provider, booking authority, and party responsible for payment. Confirm the current applicable trade rules with your contract adviser.

Keep a written comparison

Use a consistent scope table and request clarification of any blank line. Make your decision on the complete cost, responsibilities, and service fit rather than on a single rate.

Your next practical step

Put the details you already know into a project brief. Mark the uncertain items as questions so the next conversation can resolve them.

Start your brief

Know what to bring to your first call.

Enter your email. We send one email that explains what the call covers and lists 3 things to have ready: your product with a photo or spec sheet, your order quantity and your delivery city. On the call we list the supplier questions still open, so you leave with a clear next step. The email includes a link to choose a time.