How to Read a Freight Quote: Line Items Explained

Not all freight quotes are created equal. A low per-CBM rate can hide thousands in destination charges, customs fees, and surcharges. This guide breaks down every line item so you can compare quotes accurately — and understand why GSC's all-inclusive DDP quotes show the true landed cost.

Origin Charges (China Side)

• Pickup fee — trucking from factory to forwarder warehouse or port
• Export customs clearance — documentation and declaration for China export
• Warehousing / consolidation — storage and combining multi-supplier cargo (free at GSC's Guangzhou warehouse)
• Origin handling — loading, weighing, and preparing cargo for shipment
• Documentation fee — preparing commercial invoice, packing list, and B/L

Some forwarders bundle these into "origin charges" as a flat fee; others itemize each. Always ask what is included.

Freight Charges (Ocean or Air)

The main transport cost, usually quoted per CBM for LCL sea freight or per kg/CBM for air. For FCL, this is a flat container rate. Check whether the quote specifies the carrier, transit time, and port pair (e.g., Yantian to Los Angeles).

Common surcharges to watch for: BAF (bunker adjustment factor / fuel surcharge), PSS (peak season surcharge), and GRI (general rate increase). GSC DDP quotes include applicable surcharges — no post-booking additions.

Destination Charges (USA Side)

• Import customs clearance — customs broker fee and entry filing
• Duties and taxes — based on HTS code and declared value; see our duties guide
• ISF filing — required for ocean shipments ($25–$50 typically)
• Destination handling — deconsolidation, CFS fees for LCL
• Last-mile delivery — trucking from port or CFS to your address

This is where DDU quotes often fall short — they quote freight to port but leave destination charges for you to pay separately.

How to Compare Quotes Fairly

1. Request the same Incoterm (DDP door-to-door) from every forwarder
2. Provide identical cargo details: weight, CBM, product description, and US zip code
3. Compare total landed cost, not just the ocean or air line item
4. Ask about validity period — quotes typically expire in 7–14 days
5. Confirm currency (USD) and payment terms via PayPal, Alibaba, or bank transfer

Red Flags in Freight Quotes

• "Freight only" with no mention of customs or delivery
• Duty estimate marked "TBD" or excluded entirely
• Vague product description that may trigger reclassification later
• No warehouse address or company registration details
• Quote far below market rate — likely missing essential services