In import–export operations, a Freight Quotation (shipping cost quotation) is not just a cost figure, but the basis for businesses to make decisions on selling prices, delivery schedules, and profit margins. Properly understanding Freight Quotations helps businesses minimize unexpected costs and avoid risks during international transportation.

What Is a Freight Quotation?

What Is a Freight Quotation?

A Freight Quotation is a quotation provided by a logistics service provider or shipping line, presenting the total estimated costs to transport goods from the origin to the destination via a specific mode of transport (sea, air, road, etc.).

Freight Quotations are commonly used for:

• Negotiating import–export contracts
• Planning logistics costs
• Comparing and selecting transportation service providers

>> Read More: What Are Consol and Coload Shipments?

What Does a Freight Quotation Usually Include?

1. Shipping Route Information

• Port of Loading (POL) – Port of Discharge (POD)
• Exporting country – importing country
• Mode of transport: FCL, LCL, Air Freight

Different routes lead to different transit times, risk levels, and costs, directly affecting delivery plans.

2. Main Freight Rate

• Ocean Freight / Air Freight
• Rates calculated per container (FCL) or per CBM/KGS (LCL, Air)

A low base freight rate does not necessarily mean a low total cost if surcharges are high.

>> Read More: What is CBM? How to Calculate and Convert CBM in Import-Export 

3. Surcharges

A complete Freight Quotation usually includes:

• BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)
• CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor)
• THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
• PSS, GRI, peak season surcharges (if applicable)

This is the area most likely to cause disputes if not clarified from the beginning.

>> Read More: Summary Table of Logistics Fees During Freight Transport 

4. Local Charges

• Documentation fees (DOC)
• Handling fees
• Customs clearance fees (if any)
• Domestic transportation fees

Exporters usually focus on origin charges, while importers need to pay special attention to destination charges.

5. Quotation Validity

• Typically 7–14 days (for sea freight)
• Shorter for air freight or during peak season

Once the quotation expires, rates may change, especially in a volatile market.

Why Can Freight Quotations Differ for the Same Shipment?

Supporting Businesses in Freight Quotation & International Shipping Cost Optimization

Contact now to receive the quotation from KFLV

At King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV), we support businesses in building clear, complete, and practical Freight Quotations, helping control logistics costs from the planning stage of import–export operations and minimizing unexpected expenses.

The KFLV team has experience in:

• Analyzing Freight Quotation structures, including main freight, surcharges, and local charges by route and transport mode.
• Advising suitable transport solutions (LCL/FCL/Air) based on cargo type, volume, delivery time, and Incoterms.
• Comparing quotations from different shipping lines and airlines under the same conditions to support decision-making.
• Closely monitoring freight market fluctuations, peak seasons, GRI, and PSS to provide timely quotation updates.
• Coordinating with shipping lines, CFS, ICDs, and destination agents to minimize cost overruns at both origin and destination.

We commit to:

• Transparent freight quotations with all cost items clearly listed from the beginning.
• Proactive advice on potential risks that may affect transportation costs and transit times.
• No unexpected surcharges for LCL/FCL shipments based on confirmed quotations.
• Accompanying businesses from quotation and booking through transportation until cargo safely reaches the consignee.

If your business needs an accurate, easy-to-compare freight quotation that aligns with real operational conditions, please contact us via hotline +84 (0) 938 188 796 or cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com for detailed consultation.