How to compare freight quotes from China

A port-to-port rate and a door-delivery rate can both be accurate and still tell you very little about which offer costs less. Give each forwarder the same shipment brief and ask where its responsibility ends.

Xinshun Logistics · 9 November 2026

Start with one shipment brief

For example, suppose a supplier in Shenzhen has 12 cartons ready for pickup. Each packed carton measures 60 × 40 × 50 cm and weighs 18 kg. That shipment totals 1.44 cubic metres and 216 kg before palletising. If the supplier adds a pallet, request its final outer dimensions and gross weight before comparing prices.

Make the delivery point unambiguous

Give both forwarders the pickup address, delivery postcode, ready date and latest acceptable arrival date. State the agreed trade term and named place exactly as shown on the purchase order. If it is unclear who pays for factory pickup, ask the supplier before treating that line as included.

Compare the same four parts of the journey

Ask for separate lines for pickup and origin handling, international transport, destination handling, and final delivery. Next to each line, note the currency, amount, and who pays. Mark an unpriced item “to confirm.” Ask separately whether the total includes customs brokerage, duties and taxes.

Identify costs that depend on what happens

Ask which charges apply only if cargo is inspected, stored, redelivered or collected late. Check quote validity, the booking cutoff and whether the quoted transit time ends at port arrival or at your door. Keep these assumptions with the quote when you send it to a colleague for approval.

Send a brief that can be priced

Include the product description, carton count, final measurements, gross weight, ready date and both addresses. Add any delivery appointment requirements and special handling details. Ask each forwarder to return the same breakdown so you can compare the complete trip.

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