Mastering the art of requesting shipping quotes: your step-by-step guide.
We're pleased to offer you the flexibility to request a customized quote for shipment lanes where we don't have a fixed rate established for you. Simply request a quote in the platform with our Search & Book feature and provide us with the details of your desired shipment.
Search
When you're in the initial planning stages of your shipment or if you're looking to compare costs, search your lane. This allows you to get a clear understanding of the estimated costs and transit times for your shipment. It's a handy tool for budgeting and making informed decisions about your logistics.
Book
Once you're ready to move forward with your shipment and have all the details in place, the next step is to confirm the quote. Then you "Book your Shipment." This means you're confirming your shipment with us, and we'll begin the process of arranging transportation, documentation, and all necessary logistics to get your goods from point A to point B safely and efficiently.
We understand that the terminology might overlap, but the key difference lies in the stage of your shipping process. Whether you're requesting a quote or booking a shipment, rest assured that we're here to assist you every step of the way.
Your step-by-step guide
Step 1: Go to Search & book
Head over to the top left of your platform where you'll see the +Create button. Give that a friendly click, and a menu will drop down.
Click on Search & book and you'll be greeted with a new screen. Here you can add all the shipment details to request your quote.
Step 2: Select your roleFirst, select your role. Are you importing a shipment? You're the consignee.
Are you exporting a shipment? You're the shipper.
Next step, choose your modality - Sea, Air or Rail.
Step 4: Fill in the addresses or port
Then it's time to fill in the from and to address (or port). The address you provide must align with the selected Incoterm for your shipment. Here's an example:
Import:
You ship under incoterm FOB from Shanghai to the Shypple office.
The from address is the loading port, so you fill in: Shanghai.
The to address is an delivery address*, so you fill in: Vasteland 100, Rotterdam.
Export:
You ship under incoterm CIF from your warehouse to your customer in China.
The from address is the loading address*, so you fill in: Vasteland 100, Rotterdam.
The to address is the discharging port, so you fill in: Shanghai.
*Our search & book is connected to Google - so our platform recognizes most addresses.
💡 Save time! Stop repeatedly entering the same shipping details every time you book a shipment with our Address Book feature.
Step 5: Departure date, Incoterm and Shipment services
Now it's time to choose the preferred departure date, choose the incoterm and select the shipment services.
💭 Keep in mind that the departure date is preferred, and not a fixed date. Because the number of days you need to calculate for transport time from the cargo ready date at the factory to the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) from a vessel in the loading port depends on several factors.
👉🏼 Incoterms play a major role in determining responsibilities and costs between the seller and the buyer in international trade. By matching your address information with the chosen Incoterm, we can better understand your specific requirements and expectations. This allows us to provide you with the highest level of service and support throughout the entire shipping process.
💡 Do you need help with Incoterms? Simply hover over the 'i' icon in our platform next to Incoterm. You'll find a helpful overview of the available Incoterms to guide you through the selection process effortlessly.
Step 6: Load type and requirements
Choose your load type FCL or LCL and fill in the load requirements.
Shipping dangerous goods? Don't forget to check the box 'Dangerous goods'.
Step 7: Request your quote
Click on 'Show Results' and a new screen will greet you. Now you can click on 'Request booking'. We understand that 'Request booking' might be confusing, however when you don't have fixed rates for the lane you're searching for - you're still requesting a quote.
Step 8: Place your quote
If you have fixed rates for the tradelane you want to request your booking for, we'll show you the price in this overview. If this is a new tradelane, the price is set on to be requested. Accept our terms and click on 'Place Booking'. Now you're requesting your quote!
Step 9: Add your reference number
Yes, your quote is successfully requested! Don't for forget to add your shipment reference in 'Shared reference'. By adding your reference number you can easily find your shipment back.
Click on Go to your shipment. Here we show you that's your shipment is in the Quote phase of the process. Once we have gathered all the prices, you'll receive the proposed quote. To ensure you're always immediately updated when a new quote is ready, take advantage of our notification settings.
Learn here how to find all your requested quotes.
💡 Need more help?
We're here to support you every step of the way.
Just reach out, and we'll be ready to help!
Shoot us a message, call us or send an email to cs@shypple.com