What actually drives your freight quote

Two quotes for “the same shipment” can differ wildly because forwarders bundle costs differently. Here’s what’s actually inside the number.

The base freight rate

The core cost of moving your cargo from origin to destination port (or airport). For ocean it’s driven by container type (FCL) or volume (LCL); for air, by chargeable weight. This rate moves with the market — fuel, demand, and capacity all shift it week to week.

Origin & destination charges

Often the “hidden” part of a cheap-looking quote: terminal handling, documentation, port fees, and drayage at both ends. A low base rate with stacked local charges can cost more than a higher all-in rate.

Surcharges

Fuel adjustments, peak-season surcharges, and equipment imbalance fees come and go. A transparent forwarder itemizes these instead of hiding them.

Customs & duties

Customs clearance fees, plus the duties and taxes set by your goods’ HTS classification and value. These aren’t the forwarder’s margin — they’re government charges — but classification mistakes can inflate them.

Last-mile delivery

Getting the cargo from the destination port to your door: trucking, fuel, and any special handling.

How to compare quotes fairly

• Ask for an all-in, itemized quote — not just the base rate.
• Check which Incoterm each quote assumes; they may not be comparing the same legs.
• Confirm what’s excluded (duties, insurance, last-mile).

At Shypwell, we itemize everything up front — the number we quote is the number, explained. See for yourself.

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