Basic Information Required to Obtain a Freight Quote
When gathering information to obtain an international freight quote, there are a few bits of information you will need to help the freight forwarder offer the quickest and cheapest price possible.
Mode of transport
How are you planning to ship your goods? Typically ocean freight is more economical (unless a shipment is very small) but would result in a significantly longer transit time.
If choosing airfreight options, generally the rates are better if the cargo is kept below 63 inches in height as it opens up more flight options. Keep this in mind before you package your cargo especially if you are shipping multiple boxes. See export packing guidelines
If going via ocean freight, you need to decide if LCL (less than container load) or FCL (full container load) is the best option. Do you have the capabilities of loading your cargo at the origin facility? See How much Cargo can I load in my container?
Shipper name and address.
There are two pieces of information we would be looking for:
1 – The name and address of the exporting company.
2 – The name and address of the actual pickup location (if not the same).
This is essential for providing accurate inland pricing but also for airfreight to confirm if the supplier is a known shipper in the KSMS database. Basically if a shipper is known their freight can travel on any aircraft, but if they are an unknown shipper they would be restricted to freighter aircraft only.
Cargo Details
What are you shipping? This is important as some commodities are restricted to certain countries and on certain carriers.
What are the handling pieces, weight and dimensions? The forwarder will want to know exactly what is shipping. Example: Non-hazardous medical equipment 1 pallet – 600 lbs – 48x40x36 inches.
Destination
Where are you shipping to? Is your customer looking for a rate to certain port or airport?
Keep in mind most countries have numerous freight terminals and airports.
Incoterms
This is key for international shipping as it controls who is responsible for what charges both at origin and destination. There are several terms that can be used and all can be reviewed on our INCOTERMS post. Also keep in mind if you are choosing the terms yourself, you will want to pick the terms that allows you control the shipping. Also see Why should I control my export shipment?
Other details that may be required
- Do you want insurance? (See: Why shippers should insure their cargo)
- If so, what is the value of the goods?
- Is the shipment hazardous? Can you provide the correct hazardous documentation or the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)?
- Special requests such as lift gate for pickup, cargo not stackable, legalization, or special documentation required, etc.
Once you have provided all this basic information, the forwarder can contact you for any missing details or additional questions if necessary but they should have enough to complete your rate.
When you have received your quote from the forwarder carefully review and ask any questions if you are unsure what the charges are for. It is especially important to read the fine print. Some forwarders will exclude some basic charges in the main part of the request but will have them in the notes – examples could be courier fees, customs clearance, chassis fees for containers, warehousing fees etc.
If you have any questions regarding quoting shipments please contact our sales teams at Superior Freight Services via email sales@supfrt.com or call 800.298.4305.
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