Before getting started with how a freight calculator helps in preparing an accurate freight quotation, let’s address the common confusion between freight quote and freight rate. Even though they are synonymous, the lazy difference between them is similar to that between ideal and real case scenarios. So, freight quote is the cost that should ideally be charged on the freight for the information provided by the shipper. On the other hand, the freight rate is the actual amount that is charged on receiving an invoice from the consignment carrier.
If the particulars involved in getting the freight quote is accurate, then the freight rate will match the quote, and hence there won’t be any discrepancy in the amount quoted to the customer, and the amount actually charged. However, if this weight is inaccurate, there will be a reweigh, and the invoice will reflect additional freight charges.
Thus, to maintain and prepare an accurate freight quote while shipping LCL or FCL, a sea freight calculator can be an absolute boon. This sea freight calculator helps to ensure that the freight rate charged in the invoice is the same as the expected freight quote.
Before getting started with how the sea freight calculator can help with preparing correct freight quotations, let’s understand the factors impacting sea freight rates. This majorly depends on three factors enlisted below.
- The kind of container involved- Full Container Load (FCL) or Less Container Load (LCL)
- Carriers or Line Charges
- The cost involved in handling and loading cargos from the source point to the destination point
Note: Freight rates can change often depending on market conditions and macroeconomic factors that directly or indirectly affect them. Freight rates are dependent on supply and demand.
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In the shipping universe, the shippers expect everything promptly, and long turnaround time for getting the shipping quotes is time-consuming and no longer makes the cut. Meanwhile, using a sea freight calculator eliminates this problem by providing instant freight quotes. Here are a few benefits of using a sea freight calculator-
- Getting a meticulous breakdown of the final shipping quotes
- Tailoring the quotes by selecting the services required
- Figuring out a multitude range of quotes in a matter of seconds
- Comparing the quotes across various ships
- Quoting quickly and globally from any place at any given point of time
- Figuring out the estimated cargo cost in seconds and booking accordingly
Additionally, for accurate calculation using a sea freight calculator, one must also have and give absolute clarity on the factors added below.
The kind of commodity to be shipped
Before defining a quote, the shippers need clarity on the type of shipment to ensure it is not a prohibited item and to figure out how to classify it. Unsuitable classification of shipments may cause delays and at times destruction of property, which is expensive
The weight and the size of the commodity
Depending on the size of the consignment, various shipping options become available. Sea shipments are usually quoted by the cubic meters that the load takes up. If some goods are too small to ship for a particular shipper, they can be recommended to other relevant shippers. Thus, giving proper information here saves time in finding the ideal person to get your cargo shipped
The destination point of the commodity
Being specific with the warehouse or destination address is convenient in providing an accurate freight quote as there is comprehensibility on how far precisely the consignment is going. Additionally, this information helps to get an idea on whether the destination has restrictions on shipments that are going in and out of the country
The timing involved
It’s well known that logistics is all about timing. If the shipping quote is requested too early, there is a risk of the suggested quote not being accurate when the consignment is ready to be shipped. The best practice would be to try and get quotes around 30 days out from when the shipment is required to be received, as the prices don’t fluctuate much for around 30 days
After adhering to the points mentioned above, using an online sea freight calculator helps obtain door-to-door/port-to-door/port-to-port sea freight prices for both domestic as well as international destinations. Unlike air freight, sea freight is conventionally more economical, and weight is not a crucial concern here. Given below is a stepwise to-do list for determining the freight quote accurately using a sea freight calculator.
- Enter the type of cargo along with the volume, and select the number of packages, depending on if they are FCL or LCL
- Select the shipping rate that you will prefer after comparing various quotes
- Select the additional along with the optional services(if any), that you may need
- Select the date of departure of your preference
- Enter whether you will require warehouse storage
- Add the accurate billing address
- Enter the value of the shipments and duty rates
- Enter freight dimensions, including the weight, length, width, and height
Once these pieces of information are updated, the sea freight calculator evaluates the freight quote. It’s as easy and as simple as that!
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The sea freight calculator promptly provides an estimated date of delivery and time for which the desired shipment will be in transit, depending on the pick-up point and the destination point. Get an accurate quote for your next sea freight efficiently and promptly using a sea freight calculator available online, now!
