Start with the billing basis
Actual weight and chargeable weight are not always equal. Compare offers using the same dimensions, quantities and weights, and ask about the dimensional divisor, minimum charges and rounding.
Review three cost groups
Origin: collection, agreed packing materials and documentation; storage and handling have no fees. Main transport: route and service type. Destination: third-party charges, applicable duties and agreed delivery. Ask what is included and what is payable separately.
Ask about validity and conditions
An offer should specify currency, validity, trade terms and its weight and dimension assumptions. An online rate is not a confirmed order price before cargo acceptance and transport arrangements are approved.
Build a like-for-like quote comparison
Create one column per offer with the rows below. Mark unknown items “confirmation needed”; an empty amount does not mean a free service. Align differing scope or units before comparing totals.
- Packing-list version, weights and dimensions; billing unit and minimum
- Receiving and delivery points, import responsibility and service exclusions
- Origin, main-transport and destination charges, and who pays each
- Currency, offer validity, confirmable schedule and conditions for charge changes
Rules vary by carrier and service; this reference is not a China–Iran tariff.
The next step for your order
Prepare your goods details, quantities, origin and destination.
Request a quote