What Information Should You Prepare Before Asking a Freight Forwarder for a Quote?

If you’re in international trade, getting a freight quote is a routine task. But to receive an accurate and timely shipping quote, you’ll need to provide more than just “I want to ship something from China.”

Freight forwarders aren’t just quoting based on distance—they’re calculating a cost based on what, how, and where you’re shipping.

Here’s a clear checklist of the key information you should prepare before asking for a freight quote:

📦 1. Basic Cargo Details

To begin, you’ll need to describe your goods clearly:

• Product name: What exactly are you shipping? This helps identify if it’s general cargo or restricted/dangerous goods.
• Is it hazardous?: If yes, provide the UN number and hazard classification.
• Quantity, Weight & Dimensions: How many cartons/pieces? What’s the gross and net weight? What are the dimensions (L×W×H)? These details help calculate the volume (CBM) and determine the shipping method.
• Packaging type: Are your goods packed in cartons, pallets, wooden crates, or drums? This affects how we load the shipment.

🧭 2. Shipping Route Information

Next, provide the key details of your shipping route:

• Port or address of origin: Where is the cargo located or picked up from? (e.g., factory or warehouse address)
• Destination port or delivery address: This helps us plan the most efficient and cost-effective route.
• Incoterms: Are you shipping FOB, EXW, CIF, or DAP? These terms define who handles which part of the shipment.
• Preferred departure or delivery time: Let us know your time requirements so we can schedule accordingly.

🧾 3. Additional Services or Requirements

To avoid surprises, let your freight forwarder know:

• Do you need pickup or door-to-door delivery?
• Do you need help with customs clearance?
• Do you have any special cargo handling needs? (e.g., temperature control, urgent delivery)
• Who is the contact person? Include phone, email, and company name for easy communication.

📝 Final Thoughts

The more accurate and complete your information is, the faster and more accurate your quote will be. It also helps prevent delays, penalties, and unexpected charges down the line.

At Zcyt Logistics, we make international shipping easy. Whether you’re shipping bulk goods, furniture, electronics, or e-commerce products, we tailor logistics solutions to your needs.

📩 Ready for a fast and reliable quote? Send us your shipping details today.