Freight is more than the vessel.
Two very different prices may cover different services. To compare them, separate each item:
Base freight
Port-to-port transport. It depends on the route, container type or cargo volume, and season.
Shipping line surcharges
Fuel, peak season, security and other adjustments. They change frequently and may be quoted separately from base freight.
Origin charges
Factory collection, handling at the origin terminal and export documentation. Depending on the Incoterm, these are paid by your supplier or by you.
Destination charges
Terminal handling, release of the transport document and, for consolidated cargo, deconsolidation at the warehouse. These are the items most often overlooked when comparing quotes.
Cargo insurance
Covers damage or loss during transit. Freight and insurance also form part of the value used to calculate import taxes.
Inland transport
Transport from the port or warehouse to your premises. It is rarely included in international freight.
Coordination
Fees for organizing transport, tracking the cargo and coordinating with customs and the warehouse.
