Two forwarders can quote very different prices for the same shipment from China, and the cheaper one is often not cheaper in the end. The difference is usually not the freight rate but what each quote includes. This guide explains what to send for an accurate shipping quote, what a good quote shows line by line, how to compare quotes fairly, and the warning signs that a low price will cost you more later.
Key points
• Send carton sizes, weights, supplier address, delivery address and ready date. With these, a forwarder can give a firm price instead of a guess.
• A quote has up to five parts: origin, main freight, destination charges, customs and duties, and delivery. Compare quotes that cover the same parts.
• Ocean and air rates change every week or two, so check how long a quote is valid.
• A price far below the others usually leaves out destination charges that you pay later.
What to Send for an Accurate Quote
| Information | Why it matters | If you do not know yet |
|---|---|---|
| Product name and HS code | Decides duties, special handling and whether the goods can fly | Describe the product and material; the forwarder can suggest a code |
| Number of cartons, carton size and weight | Freight is charged on volume or weight | Give an estimate and mark it as such |
| Total CBM and gross weight | Decides LCL, 20ft or 40ft, or air | Calculate from carton sizes; see how to calculate CBM |
| Supplier address in China | Pickup cost and the nearest port | At least the city |
| Number of suppliers | Several pickups or consolidation may be needed | List them as you confirm orders |
| Ready date | Which sailing or flight is possible | The supplier’s best estimate |
| Delivery address and postcode | Destination charges and trucking | At least the city or Amazon warehouse code |
| Loading dock or not | A tail-lift or smaller truck may be needed | Ask the receiver |
| Incoterm with your supplier | Decides which costs are yours (EXW, FOB, DDP) | Check your purchase order |
| Who clears customs | DDP or your own broker | Ask for both options |
| Batteries, liquids, magnets or powders | Special rules for air and some sea routes | Mention anything unusual |
Do not wait until every detail is final. A quote based on estimates, clearly marked, is far more useful than no quote. The forwarder will confirm the price once the packing list is final.
What a Good Quote Shows
A clear quote lists every charge and says what is not included. For a sea shipment from Shenzhen to a US warehouse, the lines usually look like this:
| Section | Typical lines |
|---|---|
| Origin (China) | Pickup or trucking, warehouse handling, export declaration, terminal handling, documents |
| Main freight | Ocean freight per container or per CBM, plus fuel and other carrier surcharges |
| Destination charges | Terminal handling, CFS and unpacking for LCL, delivery order, chassis or storage if needed |
| Customs and duties | ISF filing, customs entry, bond, duties and taxes (estimated or included under DDP) |
| Delivery | Trucking to your address, appointment or tail-lift fees |
| Terms | Validity date, sailing date, transit time, payment terms, what is excluded |
For an idea of current freight levels, a 40ft container from South China to the US West Coast is about $7,600–8,500 in November 2026, and LCL about $120–150 per CBM. See shipping cost from China to the USA and shipping cost from China to the UK.
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
Put each quote in one table and mark every stage as included, excluded or unclear:
| Stage | Forwarder A | Forwarder B | Forwarder C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup from supplier | Included | Excluded | Included |
| Export customs | Included | Included | Included |
| Ocean freight | Included | Included | Included |
| Destination charges | Included | Excluded | Unclear |
| Customs entry and ISF | Included | Excluded | Included |
| Duties and taxes | Included (DDP) | Excluded | Estimated |
| Delivery to door | Included | Excluded | Included |
This is an illustration. Forwarder B will look cheapest, because it quotes little more than the ocean freight. Before comparing totals, ask B and C to price the missing stages. Do not count an excluded stage as zero: you will still pay for it, usually at destination and at a higher rate.
Same Incoterm, same endpoints
Make sure every quote starts and ends at the same place. A quote from your supplier’s door (EXW) includes more than a quote from the port (FOB). A quote to the US port is not the same as a quote to your warehouse. See FOB vs EXW and DDP vs DAP vs EXW.
How Quotes Differ by Shipping Method
| Method | How it is priced | What to check on the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL, UPS, FedEx) | Per kg of chargeable weight, door to door | Whether duties are billed to you on delivery, and any remote-area or fuel surcharge |
| Air freight | Per kg of chargeable weight, usually from about 100 kg | Airport-to-airport or door-to-door; the volume ratio used; handling and customs at both ends |
| Sea LCL | Per CBM or per tonne, whichever is greater | Minimum charge; destination CFS and unpacking charges; delivery |
| Sea FCL | Per container (20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube) | Free days at destination; trucking; chassis or storage charges |
| Rail to Europe | Per container or per CBM | Terminal in the EU, onward trucking and border paperwork |
For the rules on volume and chargeable weight, see chargeable weight. Not sure which method fits? See air freight vs sea freight.
Questions to ask before you accept a quote
- Is the sailing direct, or does it transship at another port?
- How many free days are there at destination before storage or demurrage starts? See demurrage and detention.
- Who files the ISF for US shipments, and is it included?
- Is cargo insurance included or available? See cargo insurance.
- What happens to the price if the goods are inspected by customs?
- Who will be my contact, and how will I get updates?
How Long Is a Shipping Quote Valid?
Ocean and air rates move with the market, so most quotes are valid for a short time: often until a set date or for the next sailing. Rates tend to rise before Chinese New Year, around Golden Week and in peak season. If your goods will not be ready for several weeks, ask for an indicative price now and a firm price when the ready date is confirmed. See China public holidays 2027.
Warning Signs in a Quote
- A total far below the others. Usually destination charges, customs or delivery are left out.
- No list of exclusions. If the quote does not say what is excluded, ask before booking.
- “All-in” with no breakdown. Fine for DDP, but ask what happens if the goods are inspected or need storage.
- Payment requested to a personal account or a company name that does not match the quote.
- No company details, address or contract.
For more on choosing a partner and avoiding scams, see how to choose a freight forwarder in China.
Example: From First Message to Booking
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | You send the product, carton details, supplier city, delivery address and ready date |
| Day 1 | The forwarder replies with options: for example LCL, a 20ft container and air, each with cost and transit time |
| Day 2–5 | You confirm the option; the supplier sends the final packing list |
| Before pickup | The forwarder confirms the final price, sailing date and documents needed |
| Pickup day | Goods collected or delivered to the warehouse; the booking is fixed |
Many shipments start with a rough quote and become firm only when the packing list is final. That is normal. What matters is that the scope stays the same, so the price only changes if the goods or dates change.
Quote Checklist
- Product description and HS code (or a clear description).
- Carton count, carton size and weight, or total CBM and weight.
- Supplier address and number of suppliers.
- Ready date and the date you need the goods.
- Delivery address, postcode and loading facilities.
- Incoterm agreed with your supplier.
- DDP or your own customs broker.
- Anything unusual: batteries, liquids, oversized or heavy items.
Getting a Quote from JIEYI
Send us what you have, even if some details are estimates. We reply within 2 hours with a written quote that lists what is included and excluded, and where it helps, we compare options: LCL or a full container, sea or air, and DDP or your own customs broker. For several suppliers, we can include pickup and consolidation at our warehouses in Dongguan, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. See shipping from multiple suppliers.
Request a shipping quote, or estimate first with our freight cost calculator.
FAQ
How quickly can I get a shipping quote from China?
From us, within 2 hours for standard sea, air and express shipments, once we have the main details.
Why are quotes from different forwarders so different?
Usually because they cover different stages. Compare quotes that include the same pickup, freight, destination charges, customs and delivery.
Can I get a quote without exact carton sizes?
Yes, an estimate works for a first price. The final price is confirmed when the supplier sends the packing list.
Does a shipping quote include US duties?
Only under DDP, or if the forwarder adds an estimate. Otherwise duties are paid separately at import. See US tariffs on Chinese goods.
How long is a freight quote valid?
Usually a short period or until a set sailing, because rates change every week or two.
What does “port to port” mean on a quote?
Freight from the port in China to the port at destination only. Pickup, destination charges, customs and delivery are extra.
Is the cheapest quote the best choice?
Only if it covers the same scope as the others. A low freight rate with high or missing destination charges often ends up more expensive.
What should I check before paying a forwarder?
That the company name on the invoice matches the quote and contract, that payment goes to a company account, and that the scope is in writing.
Updated on 4 November 2026. Send us your shipment details for a written quote within 2 hours.
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