1. What a Complete Quotation Includes
A standard quotation should clearly list the following four cost categories:
① Ocean Freight — The basic transportation cost from the port of origin to the port of destination
② Surcharges — BAF, PSS, etc.
③ Local Charges — THC, documentation fees, booking fees, customs clearance fees
④ Destination Charges — DTHC, clearance fees, trucking fees, etc.
2. All-In Price vs. Itemized Quotation
| Comparison | All-Inclusive Price | Itemized Quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Fixed price, no hidden fees | Transparent costs |
| Cons | Not easy to compare item by item | Risk of missing an item, additional charges after shipment |
Advice: First get the all-in total price, then review the cost breakdown, especially the destination charges.
3. Common Questions About Quotations
Q: Why do quotations for the same route vary so much?
| Source of Difference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Different shipping lines | Base freight rates can differ by 5%-15% |
| Whether surcharges are included | A includes BAF, B does not — total differs |
| Whether destination charges are included | Biggest source of variation |
| Freight forwarder profit strategy | Some use low freight rates but high surcharges |
Key is to look at the total price, not individual items.
Q: Will the price increase after confirmation?
Reputable forwarders: Price is locked after confirmation, even if the market rises. Unreliable forwarders: "BAF increased," "Forgot to include a surcharge."
Q: Can destination charges be known in advance?
Yes. A reputable forwarder can tell you estimated destination charges before shipment.
4. Rules of Thumb to Determine if a Quotation Is Reasonable
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 10%-20% difference between forwarders is normal | Be wary if the price is 30% below market |
| Confirm destination charges before shipment | Biggest source of hidden costs |
| Request written confirmation after the quotation is accepted | WeChat confirmations should also be recorded |
5. What a Good Quotation Looks Like
| Cost Item | Forwarder A | Forwarder B | Forwarder C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight | $2,200 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| BAF | Included in freight | $250 | $300 |
| PSS | $300 | Included in freight | Not listed |
| THC | ¥700 | ¥650 | Not listed |
| Documentation fee | ¥400 | ¥350 | Not listed |
| Destination charges | Clear: $850 | To be confirmed | At cost |
| Total | Transparent | Unclear | Not transparent |
Get a quote: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
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