Compare freight quotes on an all-in basis

Freeze the shipment facts

Issue one quote request with origin and destination, collection and delivery requirements, Incoterm, ready date, commodity, package count, dimensions, gross weight, stackability, special handling, and desired service. Quote differences are meaningless if carriers price different facts.

Record the validity period and the chargeable basis returned by each provider. If a carrier changes dimensions or weight, resolve that difference before comparing price.

Build the all-in column

Separate base freight, fuel, security, documentation, terminal or hub charges, pickup, delivery, customs services, residential or remote surcharges, appointment fees, and taxes. Convert all amounts using one visible exchange rate.

Add expected risk costs where material: storage caused by short free time, demurrage exposure, failed delivery, or a service level that increases stockout risk. Do not hide these as an arbitrary markup.

• Use cost per chargeable kg, CBM, pallet, or shipment.
• Compare transit definition and frequency.
• Keep exclusions beside the total.

Score service separately

Price is one column. Add schedule reliability, claims history, communication, data quality, capacity, and exception handling as separate criteria. This prevents a subjective service preference from being disguised inside the cost calculation.