Read a logistics quotation: compare the same service scope

Overview

A transport quotation must be read with route, equipment, validity and applicable conditions. “All-in” does not explain its own scope when inclusions and exclusions are unspecified.

Use a common comparison sheet

GENLOG suggests columns for charge, unit, quantity, currency, validity and notes. Separate ocean, origin/destination, inland and optional services. The sales-contract delivery term helps check scope but does not replace a service quotation.

Compare scope before comparing prices

A cheaper quote may cover fewer tasks. Define exact collection and delivery points, the sale’s Incoterm, cargo, equipment, schedule and responsibilities. A freight quote does not itself amend the sales contract.

Six steps for quotation approval

1. Send a consistent RFQ with route, cargo characteristics, packages, dimensions, weights, equipment, dates and delivery term.
2. Request mandatory, optional and unresolved items, including tax, surcharges and validity limitations.
3. Map all proposals to one scope sheet. Ask about blanks rather than treating them as zero.
4. Check actual dimensions, chargeable weight and minimums. For W/M obtain the specific quoted rule instead of assuming one ratio for every service.
5. Compare transit, route, transshipment, equipment allowances, amendment/cancellation conditions and special-cargo capability alongside cost.
6. Approve the final version and retain booking and change confirmations. Reconcile the invoice with the quote and authorised extras after delivery.

Normalise two hypothetical offers

For the same illustrative scope, A has freight 800 USD, origin fees 150 and trucking 200: known total 1,150. B has freight 750, origin fees 180 and trucking 250: known total 1,180. B’s main freight is lower but these combined items cost 30 more.

Neither states destination fees, tax or possible inspection expenses. Do not call 1,150 a final all-inclusive total while items remain unresolved. Clarify the payer and coverage of each item. Show conversion assumptions separately for mixed currencies. These figures teach comparison and are not GENLOG service rates.

Common questions

• Is “all-in” sufficient? Obtain inclusions, exclusions and conditions in writing.
• Does validity at booking guarantee the rate at sailing? Check the quoted basis and reconfirm after schedule changes.
• Is LCL charged only by CBM? Verify minimums and each item’s weight/measurement basis.
• Why is the invoice higher? Reconcile actual quantities, route, timing, exchange rates and approved extras; do not assume every difference is valid.

Questions before acceptance

Is the unit a container, TEU, shipment, kilogram or CBM? What dates, exchange basis and taxes apply? Check amendments, cancellation, free time and possible extra charges. Obtain written confirmation rather than combining benefits from unrelated offers.

References

GENLOG practical guide, reviewed on 24 October 2026 using public primary sources. Examples are illustrations, not official tariffs or contract templates.

Next guide

First export shipment checklist: connect data and handovers