Details to send with a shipping request
- Product code, product category, and exact quantity
- Whether retail boxes, protective packing, batteries, liquids, magnets, or fragile parts are included
- Estimated carton count, packed actual weight, and carton dimensions if known
- Destination country, city, and postal code
- Preferred speed or delivery window
- Whether the request is warehouse-to-door, warehouse-to-airport, or another stated scope
Actual and volumetric weight are different
Actual weight is the packed mass. Volumetric weight turns the space a parcel occupies into a billable figure using the carrier's divisor. The chargeable weight may be whichever figure is higher.
Ask for the carton dimensions and divisor instead of copying an item-only weight into the estimate. Shoe boxes, protective bag filling, and bulky clothing can change the final figure substantially.
Put two shipping quotes side by side
| Field | What should be stated | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment | Product, quantity, carton count, and packing | Confirms the same goods are being compared |
| Weight | Packed actual, volumetric, and chargeable weight | Explains the rate basis |
| Route | Service type and handoff or delivery scope | “Worldwide shipping” is not one service |
| Timing | Estimated transit plus handling or production time | Transit is not total order time |
| Coverage | Tracking, insurance, remote areas, and restrictions | Shows what the freight price includes |
| Import costs | Duties, taxes, brokerage, and other exclusions | Keeps freight separate from landed cost |
A shipping-quote request
“Please quote shipping for [PRODUCT CODE/CATEGORY], [QUANTITY], to [CITY, POSTAL CODE, COUNTRY]. Please state carton count and dimensions, packed actual weight, volumetric and chargeable weight, route, estimated transit time, tracking or insurance, and all exclusions. Please also state whether duties and taxes are included or payable separately.”
Ask again when the packed order changes
Request a revised quote if the quantity, product mix, boxes, batteries, destination, or route changes. A rate calculated for one sample will not automatically apply to a carton, and a price per kilogram may leave out the minimum charge or volumetric basis.
