Home / Logistics Knowledge / How to Read and Compare an FCL Freight Quote
Two quotes that look similar can land very differently once local charges and scope are included. Here is how to read them line by line.
Confirm whether the quote is port-to-port or door-to-door. The same lane priced port-to-port looks cheaper than door-to-door but excludes trucking, which you then pay separately.
This is the base sea rate per container. Note the container type and whether it is per box or per weight or volume break.
Local charges at both ports (THC, documentation, seal, handling) can add a large amount. Always separate them from the ocean freight so you compare like for like.
Duties, taxes, insurance, and any storage beyond free time are normally outside the quote. Confirm whether trucking is included before you budget.
Different scope, surcharge assumptions, and carrier choice all change the total. Two quotes may use different baselines.
An all-in quote bundles ocean freight and the main local charges into one price. Always clarify exactly what is and is not included.
Often it is offset by high local charges later. Compare the full itemised total rather than the headline ocean rate.
Not necessarily. Compare scope, transit time, reliability, and the total cost, because the cheapest offer can hide fees or slower routing.
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