Shipper resources
Use this checklist to prepare an enquiry and compare quotations on the same basis. It is general planning guidance; your actual cargo and route determine the final requirements.
Give both ports and the full pickup or delivery addresses when inland services are needed. State the agreed Incoterm and named place, if known. Explain which tasks you want quoted rather than assuming that door delivery, customs work or loading is included.
List the commodity, package count, packed dimensions and gross weight. Identify fragile, non-stackable, temperature-controlled or regulated cargo. For a container shipment, include the preferred equipment and quantity; for LCL, provide package-level measurements.
Check the ocean rate, origin and destination charges, inland scope, validity and exclusions. Review free time and the conditions that can lead to storage, demurrage or detention charges. A lower ocean rate alone does not establish the lower total cost.
Ask which commercial, packing and cargo-specific documents are required, who supplies them and when. Confirm shipping-instruction and cargo cutoffs with the operating team. Inconsistent names, weights or descriptions can delay booking and release.
An indicative transit time is not a guaranteed delivery date. Review the proposed sailing, connections, arrival handling and final delivery scope. A website enquiry is not a booking; obtain written confirmation of the agreed transport arrangements.
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From information to a shipment plan
Rates, space and cargo acceptance are subject to confirmation.