What Information You Need for a Freight Quote
Navloon3 min read
A freight quote is only as accurate as the information behind it. Missing or wrong details either delay the quote or change the price after loading. The list below shows what you can include in your request and why each item matters. If you do not know everything, that is fine: say which item you do not know, and the forwarder will ask rather than assume. For the overall process, see How to get a freight quote when exporting from Turkey.
Checklist
| Information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Origin (country, city, address or postal code if possible) | The pick-up point sets collection cost and routing |
| Destination (country, city, address or port/airport) | Delivery type and final-leg costs depend on it |
| Type of cargo | Handling, documents and the right vehicle or container depend on the goods |
| HS code, if you know it | Needed for customs handling and some restrictions |
| Number and type of packages | Pallets, cartons, crates or drums affect pricing and the choice of truck or container |
| Gross weight | The real weight including packaging and pallets; a key pricing factor |
| Dimensions (length × width × height) | Needed for volume, space and, for air freight, volumetric weight |
| Stackability | Whether packages can be stacked changes the space needed |
| Special conditions | Dangerous goods (ADR/IMDG class, UN number), temperature control, fragile, heavy or oversized cargo |
| Ready date and requested delivery date | Determines the choice of mode and schedule |
| Trade term (Incoterms®) | Decides which costs the quote should cover |
| Services needed | Pick-up, delivery, export or import customs clearance, insurance, packing |
| Loading and unloading conditions | Dock, forklift, truck access, opening hours |
| Value of the goods | Needed for insurance |
Practical tips
- Measure the packed cargo. Give dimensions and weight including pallets and packaging; do not confuse product weight with gross weight.
- Say when values are estimates. Write “approximately” if you are unsure and update the figures when they are final.
- List different package types on separate lines (for example 4 pallets of machine parts and 2 crates of spare parts).
- Mention how flexible your dates are. A note such as “flexible by a week” may open up better options.
- Declare dangerous goods from the start. Not every carrier accepts them and extra documents are required.
How this works on Navloon
On Navloon you do not need to fill in all of this as a form. You write your shipment in your own words in one box, and if something important is missing we will ask you. Describe your shipment now.
This article is general information and does not replace customs or legal advice.