What is a request for quote (RFQ) in freight?
A good RFQ states the origin and destination with postcodes or ports, the Incoterms rule, the commodity, weight, dimensions or volume, the number and type of packages or containers, the ready date and any special needs such as dangerous goods or temperature control. The forwarder then collects buy rates from carriers, agents and truckers, adds margin and local charges, and replies with a quote that carries a validity date.
An RFQ for a single shipment, often called a spot request, differs from a tender, where a shipper invites several forwarders to price many lanes for a contract period of months or a year. A quote is also not a booking: the price usually depends on space and equipment being available when the booking is made, and on rate changes such as a general rate increase.
Speed and clarity win RFQs, because shippers often send the same request to several forwarders and choose the first complete, comparable answer. State what is included and excluded, such as terminal handling, customs, duties and insurance, quote all-in where the customer expects it, and flag surcharges that may change. Clarify missing details with one quick question rather than guessing, because a wrong assumption turns into a margin loss.