Nowadays the greater part of logistics processes starts with googling. Shippers or business owners try to find all the needed information on the Net. They select the most effective and top-rated freight forwarders, compare prices, and pick up the winning solutions. One of the first steps they have to deal with is the necessity to obtain the so-called transportation quote. But what is it? Let’s figure it out.
A freight quotation is a document that states the charges involved in the movement of cargo from point A to point B. Nowadays it’s enough to fill in an online form to get to know how much you are to pay for the freight delivery services you need. It’s necessary to provide a freight broker with the following information:
- The locations where your shipment should be picked up and delivered to.
There are both local and international companies. You are to provide detailed information about the initial location and the destination of the cargo. It’s better to notice whether the loading services are needed or not.
- The desirable mode of transportation.
Your shipments may be delivered by trucks, trains, ships, or even airplanes. It’s clear, the chosen solution defines the prices you have to pay for the delivery.
- The necessity to use special equipment.
Some types of cargo are to be secured with the help of special systems and means. If you do not possess the needed elements, you have to inform logistics brokers about it.
- Specific requirements.
There are different businesses. They deal with various shipments. Some of them are fragile and should be handled very carefully. Others are time-sensitive and they are to be delivered first and foremost. When it comes to chemicals or medicines, special permissions should be obtained. If you need to deliver specific cargo, you must inform forwarders about this.
This form may vary from service to service. Some companies require more detailed descriptions of the order. Many inexperienced entrepreneurs make one and the same mistake. They believe if they provide wrong data to forwarders, nobody will ever know about this. Needless to say, they are not right.
There are several essential points you should keep in mind when getting a shipping quote:
- It has a limited duration.
Unfortunately, these days the global economy is in a shaky state. Prices are rather vulnerable. These factors can’t but affect the logistics industry, too. Whether you like it or not but prices have a tendency to grow. If you think that the quote you goy a couple of months ago will wait until you decide to transport your cargo, you are wrong.
- If you provide incorrect data, you are to pay more.
It’s not a good idea to provide forwarders with incorrect data in order to save some money. It leads only to troubles and extra fees.
- Freight forwarders do check all the data.
You should keep in mind that all the measures are checked several times.
So, a shipping quote is one of the most important terms you should know in order to hire carriers or logistics brokers and do not spend all your money on them. It’s up to you to provide accurate and relevant information if you want to avoid unexpected expenses.
