Carrier quotes are comparable only when they describe the same shipment and responsibilities. A low headline quote may exclude preparation, appointments, border work or other handling that another quote includes.
Give carriers a common shipment brief
- Specify carton or pallet counts, dimensions, weight and product-handling requirements.
- Identify the offered receiving destination and the shipment identifiers available.
- State who handles preparation, labels, customs records and dispatch paperwork.
- Ask which accessorial charges, appointments and collection conditions are included.
- Record the quote currency, validity and assumptions that still need confirmation.
Check the shipment destination against the options offered under Amazon's US inbound placement guidance. A carrier's route suggestion should not replace the account's shipment instructions.
Retain the comparison
Put like-for-like service items beside each other, then mark exclusions plainly. Confirm the selected service and responsibilities in writing before dispatch.
After receipt, compare the invoice with the quote and retain the transport and receiving evidence. Investigate an extra charge against the service actually performed. The review should explain the chosen carrier and actual costs without promising a percentage saving or a particular receiving time.