What's Included in a Freight Forwarding Quote? (And What Often Isn't)
Two freight forwarding quotes for the same shipment can differ by hundreds or thousands of dollars, and the cheaper one is not always cheaper. The difference is usually in what each quote includes, excludes or hides in the small print.
This guide walks you through a freight quote line by line, explains the common charges, and shows you how to compare quotes properly.
Key takeaways
- A clear quote splits costs into origin, freight, destination, and customs and delivery.
- Destination charges in Nigeria are the most common hidden cost.
- Duty is usually an estimate, because Customs assesses the final amount.
- Compare quotes on the same scope and on total landed cost.
The four sections of a freight forwarding quote
A clear quote is organised by where each cost happens:
1. Origin charges, in the supplier's country.
2. International freight, the main sea or air leg.
3. Destination charges, at the Nigerian port or airport.
4. Customs, duties and delivery, clearance, taxes and transport to your door.
If a quote does not separate these, ask for a breakdown.
1. Origin charges
These apply before your goods leave the origin country:
- Pickup / origin trucking, collecting goods from the supplier.
- Export customs clearance, declaring goods for export.
- Origin terminal handling (THC), loading at the origin port or airport.
- Documentation fees, bill of lading or air waybill issuance.
- Container stuffing / CFS charges, for LCL cargo loaded at a warehouse.
- Security and screening fees, mainly for air cargo.
Whether you pay these depends on your Incoterm. Under FOB, the supplier pays most of them; under EXW, you pay all. See Incoterms explained.
2. International freight charges
The main transport cost, plus surcharges:
- Base ocean or air freight rate, per container, per cbm or per kg.
- BAF / fuel surcharge, adjusts with fuel prices.
- Peak season surcharge (PSS), during high-demand periods.
- Currency adjustment factor (CAF), for exchange-rate swings.
- Low sulphur or emissions surcharges, environmental compliance costs.
- War risk or security surcharges, on some routes.
Watch for: quotes showing a low base rate but listing surcharges as "subject to carrier" without amounts.
3. Destination charges in Nigeria
These are the charges that most often catch importers out:
- Destination terminal handling, at Apapa, Tin Can Island, Lekki, Onne or the airport cargo terminal.
- Shipping line local charges, delivery order, documentation and agency fees.
- Container deposit or container insurance, security for returning the shipping line's container.
- Storage, after free days end.
- Demurrage and detention, for keeping the container too long.
- LCL devanning / CFS charges, unstuffing shared containers.
- Airport handling charges, for air cargo.
Some forwarders quote "freight to Lagos" and leave destination charges out entirely. You then meet them when the goods arrive, when you have no bargaining power.
4. Customs clearance, duties and delivery
- Customs agency / clearing fee, the service of declaring and clearing goods.
- estimateImport duty, levies and VAT, usually an, because Customs assesses the final amount. See how import duties are calculated.
- Regulatory permit costs, SONCAP, NAFDAC and similar.
- Examination costs, if the cargo is selected for inspection.
- Inland haulage / last-mile delivery, trucking to your address.
- Empty container return, trucking the empty back to the holding bay.
Sample freight forwarding quote layout
| Section | Charge | Basis | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Pickup from supplier | Per shipment | Yes |
| Origin | Export clearance and documents | Per shipment | Yes |
| Freight | Ocean freight 40ft (all surcharges) | Per container | Yes |
| Destination | Terminal handling Lagos | Per container | Yes |
| Destination | Shipping line local charges | Per B/L | Yes |
| Customs | Clearing and agency fee | Per shipment | Yes |
| Customs | Duty, levies, VAT | Estimate on CIF | Estimate only |
| Delivery | Haulage to Ikeja and empty return | Per container | Yes |
| Exclusions | Storage/demurrage beyond free days, examination costs | Actual | No |
A quote like this lets you see exactly what you are paying for.
Hidden fees in international shipping to watch for
- "All-in" quotes that exclude duty and VAT without saying so.
- Destination charges marked "as per shipping line".
- Undefined "handling" or "miscellaneous" fees.
- Exchange-rate mark-ups on USD charges converted to naira.
- Validity dates of a few days, forcing re-quotes at higher rates.
- Free time not stated, making demurrage risk unclear.
How to compare freight quotes properly
1. Use the same scope, same Incoterm, same pickup and delivery addresses, same cargo details.
2. Line up each charge in a spreadsheet by section.
3. Check validity, how long is the price valid?
4. Check free time, how many free days for storage and container use?
5. Check transit time and routing, direct or transhipment?
6. Ask what is excluded in writing.
7. Compare total landed cost, not just freight. Use our landed cost guide.
If prices still differ a lot, read why freight forwarders charge different prices.
What information you should give for an accurate quote
The more accurate your details, the more accurate your quote:
- Product description and HS code (if known).
- Number of packages, weight and dimensions.
- Supplier address and your delivery address.
- Incoterm agreed with the supplier.
- Cargo value (for insurance and duty estimates).
- Ready date and required delivery date.
- Any special needs: dangerous goods, temperature control, oversized cargo.
Quote terms to understand
- All-in: includes every listed charge, but check exactly what "all" covers.
- At cost: passed on at the actual amount charged by a third party, such as a shipping line or terminal.
- Subject to space and equipment: the price depends on availability when you book.
- Free time: the days allowed before storage, demurrage or detention charges start.
- W/M (weight or measure): LCL charged on whichever is greater, cubic metres or tonnes.
- Validity: the date after which the quote must be re-confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my freight quote only valid for a short time?
Carrier rates and surcharges change frequently, sometimes weekly. Short validity protects both sides from sudden market movements.
Does a freight quote include customs duty?
Not always. Many quotes show duty as an estimate or exclude it. Ask directly.
What is THC in shipping?
Terminal Handling Charges, the cost of handling your container or cargo at the port terminal, at origin and destination.
Can I negotiate a freight forwarding quote?
Yes, especially for regular volumes. Consolidating shipments and committing to a partner usually earns better rates.
Get a quote with nothing hidden
At DE-BLINGS Global Logistics, pricing that makes sense means every line is visible, no surprise invoices. Tell us what you are moving and get a free, fully itemised quote, or explore our freight forwarding services.
