Sea Freight Incoterms: What to Ask For in Your RFQ
Sea freight pricing becomes difficult to compare when each bidder assumes different Incoterms or port responsibilities. Your RFQ should remove that ambiguity before responses come in.
1. State the trade term explicitly
Use the exact Incoterm rule and named place, such as FOB Shanghai or DDP Johannesburg, rather than a general phrase like door-to-door.
This tells suppliers where cost and risk transfer and avoids scope gaps between bidders.
2. Identify included charges
Ask suppliers to separate ocean freight, origin charges, destination charges, customs coordination, and detention or demurrage assumptions.
When each charge is visible, procurement can compare bids with fewer hidden surprises.
3. Include documentation expectations
If you require tracking milestones, customs paperwork support, or cargo insurance options, add those deliverables directly into the tender response kit.
This helps ensure the awarded provider can meet both price and compliance expectations.
Key takeaway
Standardising Incoterms and origin-destination responsibilities keeps sea freight bids comparable and contract-ready.