Do you want a freight rate? For an accurate sea or air freight rate – think about the following questions…

For ‘what’ do you want a freight rate?

You would think that this is common sense, but the number of times I get someone asking something like “can you please give me a rate from China to Australia” or something similar…  

The obvious questions are for

• what
• how
• when

But there are a few more things to consider.

So, a check list should also include:

• From and to where do you want to send your goods? Country to country means nothing. Most countries have any number of ports, and rates can vary dramatically to or from different ports in the same country.
• What are the purchase or sale terms? (And do I understand what these mean and who should be responsible for what?) Depending on the purchase or sale terms, you will probably need to ask or provide more information.
• What actually is it that I want sent?
• What are the package dimensions and weights?
• Are any of the goods hazardous or questionable? Do I need hazardous declarations or at least Material Data Safety Sheets?
• Do I need transit insurance? (Please note that in general this is not covered by the transport company, the carrier or freight forwarder)
• What is my time frame or urgency for getting the goods from one place to the other?

You see a freight rate is not necessary a standard amount.  Yes – we have standardised rates which apply to cargo – but these are the base building blocks from which to begin – the end rate is dependant upon numerous factors as outlined above.

Keep this in mind next time you go hunting for a freight rate – a price is not necessarily an ‘all in’ price.

And remember – customer service is priceless and that is a no cost extra!

Regards, Mark Salmon.