Begin with the lane and shipment
International pricing depends on the origin, destination, service, billable weight, and the goods being shipped. Check the required transit service and the product restrictions before choosing on price.
Measure and describe the packed shipment accurately. Keep the commodity description, value, country of origin, and classification information consistent with the customs paperwork.
Keep transport and import costs separate
Transportation is one part of landed cost. Fuel, demand charges, optional services, clearance fees, duties, and taxes can add to the amount. Some items are calculated by the carrier; others depend on customs rules.
Confirm who is responsible for each cost and which amounts the quote includes. A transport-only quote cannot establish the total import cost or the recipient experience.
Read the applicable surcharge table
Check the table for the correct carrier product, origin and destination group, period, and unit of measure. A charge quoted per unit of billable weight differs from a charge per shipment.
The fuel calculation can include eligible additional charges. Review its scope in the official rules rather than assuming fuel applies only to the base transportation amount.
Review documentation and the first invoices
Accurate paperwork helps avoid preventable delays and corrections. Confirm the documentation needed for the goods and destination with your broker or carrier. Customs treatment is specific to the shipment.
After routing changes, compare initial invoices with the quote assumptions. Investigate the difference between estimated and billed components while the shipment records are still easy to retrieve.
Official references
- DHL Express US surcharges
- DHL Express US demand surcharge
- UPS shipping costs and rate updates
- FedEx rate changes
An educational reference prepared by Kadima Logistics. Examples explain the concept. Consult the applicable service guide and agreement for your shipment.