The Smart Shipper: Fast & Accurate Quotations

Even if you're a first timer in dealing with logistics, here are the following tips to make you a pro!

During the New Normal, cost-efficiency and ease of doing business are necessary to assist all types of businessmen. 

Provide the Correct Information

All freight forwarding companies will request for the following information for them to assess the freight mode and the cost:

a. Type and Value of Goods

In our previous blogs about inland freight, sea freight and air freight, we presented information about the types of goods that may or not be suitable for each mode of freight forwarding.

The declaration of goods will also help the freight forwarder compute for insurance cost, if necessary.

Misdeclaration can also lead to unnecessary causes of delay in clearing of the goods in the destination and may add up to penalties and surcharges.

b. Size and Weight

The size and weight are crucial in identifying how the goods will be moved. For sea freight, if you will be able to fill up the whole container or Full Container Load, then the cost is solely charged to your company. If not, Less Container Load rates will apply divided among all the shippers sharing in one container.

For air freight, chargeable weight is computed based on the Gross Weight or the Volumetric Weight, whichever is greater.

For land freight, costs depend on the type of truck your shipment needs aside from other factors.

c. Destination

The intended destination of your shipment is also vital. Primarily for the comfort of the recipient and the safety of your cargoes, it is best to discuss with your freight forwarder the best options in terms of the destination.

d. Schedule

There are three schedule factors that may affect the rates:

a. How early did you get the quotation?

Most quotations are only valid for 30 days from the time it was issued. If you get it too early, you might be surprised with sudden changes in the rates and tariffs.

b. How soon do you need the goods being shipped?

If you are in a hurry, chances are, your freight forwarder will have to go out of their way to accommodate you. This may happen to LCL if they do not have available schedules or are still waiting for the containers to fill up. These freight forwarders will resort to their networks and make things work at an extra cost.

c. Will the shipping schedule coincide with the peak season? 

Port congestion is inevitable during the busiest months of the year, October, November and December. Companies literally lineup and even those who have their own ships will have to be scheduled.

Find a Freight Forwarder which is an All-in-One Logistics Provider

Do your own research as well. Not all freight forwarders can offer you the same services at the same price. Find the one with a wide network of carriers for sea freight and air freight and the one with a fleet of new and well-maintained trucks for inland freight.

Look for the one which can make things seem less complicated and the one which can tailor-fit solutions to your needs.

Ernest Logistics Corporation can provide you simple, easy to understand and transparent quotations for your freight needs. We are committed to providing our clients with competitive rates and seamless freight management solutions. 

Get the information ready and send it over to us through the following channels and let’s start planning! 

New client? Register today, whereas our existing clients can immediately use our MyErnest app for quick processing of requests.