How long should a freight quote be valid?

No longer than the buy rates behind it: often to the end of the carrier's rate period for sea freight, and a week or less for air.

Write a date, not a duration, add a cargo-ready condition, and say which lines (surcharges, duty, tax) are charged as applicable at shipment. When a quote expires, refresh it and say what changed.

Full guide: Freight quote validity explained.

Setting validity in practice

• Sea freight (FCL and LCL): match the carrier's rate period, usually to the 14th or the end of the month. If a GRI is announced, quote to the day before it starts.
• Air freight: 3 to 7 days. Fuel and security surcharges move weekly and capacity changes faster than sea.
• Local charges and cartage: can run longer, often 30 to 90 days, because they change less often. Say so separately if your quote mixes both.

What to write on the quote

State the exact date ("valid until 20 Nov 2026"), not "valid 7 days", and add that rates are subject to space and equipment at booking. Put the quote reference beside it, so when the booking arrives you can match it to the rates you quoted. If the customer books after expiry, re-price before confirming rather than honouring a rate you no longer hold.

A rate sheet with a "valid to" date on every rate makes this automatic: the quote can never be valid longer than the cheapest line on it.