Separate readiness from the arrival deadline
State when the cargo will be ready and when it must reach its final destination. Explain whether this supports a launch or replenishment. Ask for proposed schedules for your actual route rather than relying on a general transit-time claim.
Give both options the same cargo brief
Provide packed dimensions, gross weight, item count and commodity. Use the CBM calculator to estimate external volume for identical packages; keep actual weight alongside it. Volume alone does not establish chargeable weight, suitability or price.
Compare the whole journey
Ask each proposal to identify collection, origin handling, main transport, destination handling, clearance and final delivery. A port-to-port or airport-to-airport quote should not be compared directly with a complete door-to-door scope.
Confirm handling and exceptions
Describe fragile, temperature-sensitive or other special-handling goods so suitability can be assessed. Confirm what happens if readiness changes. Review arrival windows, responsibilities and exclusions together before choosing. Discuss splitting a shipment only if it serves your operation and the extra handoffs can be agreed.
Calculate your cargo volume
Turn packed dimensions and quantity into cubic metres before preparing your brief.
Open the CBM calculator