What should a freight quote include?

The shipment details you priced on, every charge grouped by origin, freight and destination, the Incoterm, the total with currency and tax treatment, validity, and exclusions.

A quote that shows the inputs (pieces, weight, volume, containers, Incoterm, delivery address) protects you when the shipment changes. Grouping charges by where they're incurred makes the Incoterm split obvious. Validity and exclusions stop the quote being held against you after rates move.

Full guide: A freight quote reply template.

A checklist for every quote

• The shipment as you understood it: lane, Incoterm, cargo, pieces, weight, dimensions, ready date
• Charges grouped by origin, freight and destination, each with currency and basis
• Total per currency, and whether tax is included
• Transit time and routing (direct or via a hub)
• Validity date and a quote reference
• Exclusions: duty, taxes, storage, detention, demurrage, inspections
• Assumptions: general cargo, no dangerous goods, standard delivery hours

Why the assumptions matter

Most disputes come from what the quote didn't say. Stating "priced as general cargo, non-hazardous, tail-lift not included" protects your margin and shows the customer you read their request properly. See also our quote email template.