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Start with the move

Tell us whether this is:

  • import,
  • export,
  • port-to-door,
  • door-to-port,
  • rail-ramp drayage,
  • port-to-transload,
  • repositioning,
  • empty move.

That changes which dates and releases matter.

Origin / terminal information

For an import:

  • port or rail ramp,
  • terminal,
  • ocean carrier or rail provider,
  • container number,
  • container size/type,
  • last free day if known,
  • release/hold status.

For an export:

  • empty pickup location,
  • ocean carrier,
  • booking number,
  • export terminal,
  • ERD,
  • cutoff,
  • container size/type.

“Port of Los Angeles” is not enough when the actual container sits at a specific terminal with its own appointment system.

Delivery / pickup location

Provide the real facility address when available.

Also include:

  • receiving/shipping hours,
  • appointment requirement,
  • dock type,
  • live unload or drop,
  • how long unloading normally takes,
  • contact/check-in procedure,
  • whether overnight or yard parking is possible if needed.

A location 20 miles from the terminal can be a very different move depending on congestion and facility rules.

Container information

Tell us:

  • 20-foot / 40-foot / 40HC / 45-foot / other,
  • dry / reefer / open top / flat rack / tank / specialized,
  • loaded or empty,
  • container number when assigned,
  • steamship line.

The container type drives chassis and handling needs.

Weight

This is one of the most important fields.

Provide:

  • cargo weight,
  • container gross weight if known,
  • units,
  • whether the weight is estimated or scale-confirmed.

For heavy containers, the legal road combination may depend on chassis type, axle spacing and state rules.

Do not wait until pickup to discover the box needs different equipment or a permit.

Commodity

A basic description is important.

Also say whether the freight is:

  • hazardous,
  • reefer/temperature controlled,
  • food-grade,
  • high value,
  • overweight,
  • unusual or regulated.

Hazmat, reefers and special commodities can change carrier qualifications, terminal handling and equipment.

Timing

For imports:

  • vessel ETA,
  • discharge/availability if known,
  • last free day,
  • desired delivery date,
  • appointment status.

For exports:

  • shipper ready date,
  • ERD,
  • cutoff,
  • vessel/voyage,
  • shipper loading appointment.

The tighter the window, the more important the timing details become.

Release status

For import pickup, identify what you know about:

  • Customs release,
  • participating-government-agency hold,
  • ocean-carrier/freight release,
  • terminal hold,
  • exam status,
  • fees/payment hold,
  • appointment availability.

Do not mark a container “ready” because only one release cleared.

Chassis plan

Tell us if:

  • chassis is carrier supplied,
  • chassis must be sourced,
  • tri-axle or specialty chassis may be needed,
  • chassis pickup is at another location,
  • the customer supplies chassis,
  • there is a pool/provider restriction.

A split chassis pickup adds time and may add cost.

Delivery method

Live unload

Driver waits.

Drop

Container/chassis stays at facility and is picked up later.

Transload

Ocean container is unloaded into domestic equipment/storage.

These three plans create different driver/equipment utilization.

Empty return

For an import, if known:

  • empty return location,
  • return appointment,
  • deadline/free-time information,
  • street-turn option.

The container must finish its cycle.

Minimum information for an initial quote

If you do not have everything yet, start with:

  1. port/ramp + terminal if known,
  2. delivery/pickup city and ZIP,
  3. import or export,
  4. container size/type,
  5. weight,
  6. commodity,
  7. live unload/drop/transload,
  8. target date.

We can identify what is still missing.

Better information = fewer surprises

The purpose of collecting details is not paperwork.

It is to identify:

  • the correct equipment,
  • the correct carrier,
  • likely accessorials,
  • timing risks,
  • permit/weight issues,
  • appointment dependencies.

That makes the quote more useful.

Related:

Ready for a drayage quote?

Send the container, terminal or ramp, weight, delivery point, receiving hours and the empty return, and we will price the move against the facts rather than the averages.

Request a Freight Quote