Freight Quotes: How to Get Accurate Shipping Rates in Logistics
In this guide, we’ll break down what are, how they work, what’s included, and how to get the most accurate rates for your logistics needs.
🧾 What Is a Freight Quote?
A freight quote is a detailed price estimate provided by a logistics provider for shipping goods. It includes the cost of transportation, fuel, accessorial charges, and any additional services needed (like customs clearance or insurance).
Freight quotes are typically based on:
- 📦 Shipment size and weight
- 🚚 Mode of transport (air, ocean, truck, rail)
- 🌎 Origin and destination
- ⏱️ Delivery time or speed requirements
- 📄 Special handling, insurance, or paperwork needs
- 📦 Shipment size and weight
🔍 What’s Included in a Freight Quote?
A proper freight quote should be transparent and itemized. Here’s what it typically includes:
Element
Description
🚛 Base Freight Cost
Cost of transport from origin to destination
⛽ Fuel Surcharge
Adjusted rate based on fuel prices
🧾 Accessorial Charges
Extra services like liftgate, inside delivery, or appointment scheduling
🌐 Customs & Duties
Fees for international shipments (when applicable)
📦 Insurance (Optional)
Coverage against damage, loss, or theft
🕒 Transit Time Estimate
How long it will take for the freight to arrive
📲 How to Request
There are several ways to get freight quotes:
- Online Quoting Tools – Many freight forwarders offer instant quoting on their websites
- Freight Marketplaces – Platforms like Freightos or uShip aggregate quotes from multiple carriers
- Direct from Freight Forwarders – Request custom quotes based on your shipment specs
- Freight Software Platforms – Solutions like Linbis allow digital quote requests and comparisons
💡 Tip: Always provide complete and accurate details to avoid quote revisions later.
🧠 Tips for Getting Accurate
- ✅ Provide exact dimensions and weight of the shipment
- 📦 Mention if it’s palletized, boxed, or loose cargo
- 🌍 Include full pickup and delivery addresses
- 📄 Specify any special handling or documents required
- ⏱️ Clarify your timeline—standard or expedited?
Quotes are only as good as the information you provide.
⚖️ Spot Rates vs. Contract Rates
Type | Use Case | Flexibility | Cost Stability |
Spot Rate | One-time shipments | High | Low |
Contract Rate | Recurring or bulk freight | Low | High |
If you ship frequently, negotiating contract rates with carriers or 3PLs can help you save money in the long run.
💬 Digital: The Future of Rate Shopping
Today, more logistics platforms are offering digital freight quoting, allowing you to:
- 🖥️ Compare quotes across carriers instantly
- 📲 Book shipments in just a few clicks
- 📊 Analyze historical rate data and trends
- 🤝 Share quote links with customers or internal teams
Companies like Linbis and other cloud-based freight software providers enable seamless, automated quoting for freight forwarders and brokers.
🚛 Final Thoughts
Freight quotes are more than just numbers—they’re tools for planning, budgeting, and keeping your logistics operation on track. Whether you’re shipping a single pallet or a full container, getting transparent, timely, and accurate quotes is key to avoiding delays, unexpected costs, and unhappy customers.
📦 Want to streamline your shipping rates? Start using freight software that delivers real-time freight quotes and keeps your supply chain moving smarter.