IMPORTER’S GUIDE FOR BOOKING FREIGHT

Freight is complicated. So most small businesses avoid importing or exporting. But it

doesn’t need to be. Ready to up your business? Start importing with this easy checklist.

https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/packaging-think-outside-the-box/
PACKAGING: Make sure goods are tightly and carefully packed. This saves on cost and prevents cargo
getting destroyed along the way. Smaller packaging also means lower freight costs.

https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/incoterms-in-plain-english-a-freight-shipping-guide/
INCOTERMS: They regulate where you assume shipping responsibility from the seller, as per the sales
contract. For example, FOB means you take control after loading on the ship or plane while EXW means
you coordinate shipping directly from their warehouse.

/https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/freight-insurance-cover-your-bases
CARGO INSURANCE: Insist on comprehensive cargo insurance. Most carrier liability only covers a small
percent of your cargo’s value … and ship does happen.

https://www.freightos.com/freight-document-list-for-importers/#commercialinvoice
DOCUMENTS: Have you supplier send you a copy of the Commercial Invoice and Packing List. These
documents contain some of the information you will need when requesting quotes.

DETAILS: Come prepared with the origin, destination, import mode, size of goods, value, and other core
https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#details
details to both make requesting the quote easier, and confine communications.

https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#shortlist
SHORTLIST: Decide which forwarders to request quotes from, based on referrals or past experience.

REQUEST: Request quotes (or use Alibaba Freight to instantly compare quotes).
https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#request

https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#review
REVIEW: Make sure they got it right on the quote. For example, some forwarders have a tendency to
forget trucking on either side, or might forget customs.

ACCEPT: Accepting a quote is almost as simple as it sounds but don’t choose solely on price!
https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#accept

INSTRUCTION: Congratulations. Time to send documentation (SLI, etc) to your new forwarder.
https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#accept

NEXT STEPS: Your shipment is now booked ... but your shipment is just starting.
https://www.freightos.com/portfolio-items/getting-a-freight-quote-a-step-by-step-guide/#accept

Sourcing on Alibaba.com? Use Alibaba Freight, powered by Freightos, for instant freight quote
comparisons, 24/7 support, and zero hidden charges, all with direct trade assurance integration
and live support.

https://www.freightos.com/compare-book-manage-freight-quotes/?deal_source=checklist
GET QUOTES NOW

or go to ship.alibaba.com

The contents of this guide are for informational purposes only. Please do not rely on this for commercial or legal
purposes and as always, we recommend consulting with the relevant experts.