How to determine if an international shipping company quote is too high or too low

How to determine if an international shipping company quote is too high or too low

April 24, 2023

- By Alperen Celik

Are you an expat who needs to ship items abroad? Trying to figure out if the quotes you are getting from international shipping companies are too high or low can be confusing. After all, some forms of overseas transport require more service charges than others, and understanding exactly what’s being charged for is not always straightforward. Fortunately, this blog post will provide guidance on how to determine whether a quote from an international shipping company is fair and as close to ‘just right’ as possible. Keep reading for tips and advice about assessing your shipping price estimates for cross-border transports!


What's in this article:

  • Research your shipment size and type

  • Know the market for international shipping rates

  • Consider insurance costs

  • Look into any additional fees

  • Check for hidden shipping costs or extra services

  • Ask around for recommendations on international shipping costs



Research your shipment size and type

Shipping can be a stressful task, and it's important to ensure your package gets to its destination without any unwanted surprises. All shipments come with their own unique specifications, which include size, weight, dimensions and any special requirements such as temperature control or hazardous material handling. Being aware of these details ahead of time is the key to a successful journey for your items. Knowing how much space the item takes up in terms of length, width and height will help you determine what type of international shipping service you require.

Additionally, it will also help you find suitable packaging materials that are able to protect your items during transit. Taking into account factors such as temperature and humidity can also help keep your shipment safe from damage due to weather-related changes. With careful planning and research, transporting your goods from point A to your destination country at point B should be a breeze!


Know the market for international shipping rates

International shipping rates can be expensive, so it pays to do your research and shop around for the best deal. Fortunately, these days there are plenty of websites that provide real-time price and service comparisons of different international shipping companies, so you don't have to guess what the market rate is. By taking the time to check out a few quotes, you can easily find the lowest shipping cost option available, as well as take advantage of other features like tracking, insurance and special discounts.

With just a few clicks and a bit of research, you can save on international shipping costs while ensuring that your item arrives safely at its destination. So no matter how far away it's going, make sure your shipment has a happy journey!


Consider insurance costs

It's not enough to just compare insurance coverage when shopping for a policy—you also need to take into account the cost. Insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on factors such as your driving record, age, location, and type of vehicle. So don't forget to factor in the cost when assessing your options. For instance, if you're considering two policies with similar coverage but different shipping costs, make sure to consider how much you can realistically afford to pay each month. And remember that even small differences in premiums can add up over time. By taking the time to compare quotes and find the perfect balance between coverage and cost, you'll be able to get an insurance policy that suits both your budget and needs!


Look into any additional fees

When importing or exporting goods internationally, it's essential to be aware of the additional fees and costs that may be associated with customs clearance, taxes, and other related expenses. These fees, such as landed cost, total landed cost, duty fees, brokerage fees, transportation charges, and import/export compliance paperwork, are often overlooked and could end up being a surprise expense if you're not prepared. It's crucial to do your research and make sure you understand all of the costs involved in the process, including shipping costs, calculate shipping costs, and estimate shipping costs.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line, it's best to take the time now to assess all potential international shipping costs before committing to a transaction. A little bit of preparation can go a long way towards making sure your transactions for any international move or shipment stay within budget!


Check for hidden shipping costs or extra services

It's important to double-check any quotes you get for products or services and make sure that all hidden costs, shipping fees, and extra services like landed cost, total landed cost, and estimate shipping costs are clearly outlined. Take the time to look through the quote carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything that doesn’t seem clear, such as calculating shipping costs or reduce shipping costs. The last thing you want is to be surprised by additional fees or services that were not included in the original quote. With a clear understanding of what you're paying for, including international shipping costs and shipping cost calculator, you can ensure that your budget remains on track and won't be derailed by unexpected surprises. So, before making a decision, make sure it's an informed one and don't forget to verify exactly what's in the quote before signing off.


Ask around for recommendations on international shipping costs

Asking your contacts and trusted advisors for guidance and recommendations can be an invaluable source of advice when it comes to international shipping cost, international shipping rates, or even discounted shipping rates.

Your friends, family, and colleagues may have access to insider information that you wouldn't necessarily find on your own and they may even be able to share some industry secrets or discounts that could save you money in the long run. Additionally, chances are good that at least one of them has already been through a similar situation before, like shipping internationally or dealing with international shipments, and can provide informed advice based on their own experiences.

So don't be afraid to rely on those around you for advice when it comes to making important decisions regarding calculating shipping cost or the estimate shipping cost. You never know what valuable insights and helpful tips they might have to offer!



International shipping can be a exhausting process if you don't know what you're doing. Doing your research, comparing quotes from different companies, and inquiring about any hidden fees or charges that might come up during customs clearance is essential for making sure your shipment reaches its destination on time and within budget. Plus, having an experienced partner who can point out any potential issues and provide quick and convenient quotes can be a major time saver.

That's why we are here to help with all your international shipping needs! Click here to get started with our streamlined quote system today. With the right preparation, shipping strategy and support, you can easily make sure that your international shipments will reach their destination quickly and without any unexpected surprises. So don't wait—get ready to start shipping now!

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