A useful freight enquiry identifies the collection point, final receiving address, goods, packed measurements and work required. Send what you know, mark estimates clearly and name any information still awaited from the supplier. This gives the provider a basis for reviewing the shipment; it does not confirm acceptance, a price or a departure.
Start with the route
Give the supplier or collection city, destination country and actual receiving city. If you want delivery to a door, include the type of premises and any known access requirements.
State where the supplier’s agreed service ends. Collection from a factory, receiving a supplier delivery in China and onward transport from a terminal are different assignments. Record the collection contact and ask who will arrange loading. At destination, identify the receiving contact, appointment needs and unloading arrangements.
Describe what is inside
“General goods” does not explain what a carrier will handle. State the products, quantities and materials. Declare batteries, liquids, powders and special handling requirements at the start.
Keep different products on separate lines. Include a model or SKU where available, the intended use and product photos if they help explain the cargo. For goods bought from several sellers, use the same order references in the supplier purchase brief and shipment enquiry.
Measure the packed cargo
Provide gross weight, package count and external length, width and height for each package type. If the goods are not yet packed, label estimates clearly and confirm actual measurements before dispatch.
Measure the finished carton, crate or pallet rather than the unpacked product. Record the units and keep different package sizes separate. Use the packed volume calculator for geometric volume and the packing and labels guide to connect each measurement to its package. The calculator does not determine freight price or a carrier’s chargeable weight.
Identify the work needed
List purchasing help, supplier collection, quality checks, storage, consolidation and packing separately. The quote should state which tasks are included and which need further confirmation.
Give both the cargo-ready date and any requested arrival date, explaining which is an estimate. If the transport mode is undecided, compare the information needed for express, air, LCL and FCL and request help choosing. Do not select a service solely because the goods have a target arrival date.
Check the brief before sending
- Route: collection point, final address and receiving contact.
- Goods: item description, quantity and any special characteristics.
- Packages: count, finished dimensions, units and gross weight.
- Timing: cargo-ready date, requested arrival and pending supplier information.
- Scope: preparation tasks, handover point and questions for review.
Download the shipment enquiry checklist (TXT) or download the packing list worksheet (TXT). These editable preparation records are not a completed customs declaration or a booking.
