The cheapest freight quote can become expensive when dimensions, local charges, customs information, packaging, or delivery responsibilities are unclear.
Collect shipment facts before requesting rates
Obtain packed carton dimensions, gross and net weight, carton count, pickup address, ready date, product description, value, HS-code basis, battery or dangerous-goods status, and delivery postcode.
- Use final packed dimensions, not product estimates
- Confirm stackability and pallet requirements
- Declare batteries, liquids, magnets, and restricted goods
- State whether consolidation is required
Choose the mode by deadline and total cost
Compare courier, air, rail, LCL, and FCL using chargeable weight, departure frequency, transit range, handling risk, local fees, customs time, and inventory impact.
Define the Incoterm and handoff points
Record who books, exports, pays origin and destination charges, provides customs data, insures the cargo, bears risk at each point, and arranges final delivery.
Control documents and arrival readiness
Review commercial documents before departure, track cutoffs and milestones, arrange insurance and customs support, and prepare the receiving site for delays or damage.
- Match invoice, packing list, and transport document
- Confirm consignee and notify-party details
- Keep booking, inspection, and cargo photos
- Plan claims evidence and a delivery exception process