In brief
For container shipping, compare the same route and services before comparing prices. Check loading, terminal handling and ocean freight, then add any required extras. For one car or a batch, a missing charge is not a saving.
1. Define the same shipment
Use one brief: collection and handover points, vehicle count, dimensions, condition and ready date. For container shipping, confirm the same container type and quantity. Compare delivery to the same point, not a port-only quote with delivery to your address.
2. Check the four base costs
Our usual initial container quote has four parts: loading + OTHC + ocean freight + DTHC. Ask which are included in the total and which are charged separately.
| Cost | What it means and what to check |
|---|---|
| Container loading | Putting vehicles into the container. Check whether securing them and loading materials are included. |
| OTHC: Origin Terminal Handling Charges | Handling the container at the departure port terminal. Ask which operations are covered; loading vehicles inside it is a separate operation. |
| Ocean freight | Transport by sea between the stated ports. Confirm the container type and any surcharges included in the rate. |
| DTHC: Destination Terminal Handling Charges | Handling the container at the arrival port terminal. Check vehicle unloading and fees for releasing the cargo for collection separately. |
3. Clarify exclusions and extras
We normally exclude export and import customs clearance from the initial quote and price it only on request. Also check:
- Transport: collection, final delivery and vehicle unloading.
- Documents: B/L issuance (bill of lading, the sea transport document) and fees for releasing cargo for collection.
- Insurance and taxes: requested cargo insurance, plus any duties and taxes payable.
4. Check how each charge is calculated
Is each amount per vehicle, container, document or shipment? Confirm quantities, currency, whether tax is included, exchange-rate conversion, payment terms and quote expiry. For a batch, compare the total before dividing by the vehicle count.
5. Get a comparable total in writing
Mark each required item: included, separately priced, excluded or awaiting a price. Include required extras paid to other companies, without counting included costs twice. Unknown amounts are not zero; a total with unresolved required costs is incomplete.
Confirm who pays destination charges and what can change the total, including storage, container-use charges and booking changes.
Checklist
Five checks before accepting a quote
Completed: 0 / 5
Use this to compare costs before booking. It does not replace the accepted offer or guarantee that no additional charges will arise.
Updated: October 27, 2026
Source: West Matterhorn
https://wm-shipping.com/guides/compare-vehicle-shipping-quotes#checklist
Is the lowest quote the cheapest option?
Only if it covers the same route, services and terms. A missing terminal fee or document charge can explain an apparent saving. Matching the scope makes prices comparable; it does not mean all suppliers must charge the same.
How should I read terminal charges and free time?
OTHC and DTHC refer to terminal handling at departure and arrival. You may see OHC and DHC instead. The code alone does not tell you which operations are covered, so compare the actual services, not just the labels.
Free time is the agreed period before specified storage or container-use charges start. Ask which charges it applies to, when the clock starts and ends, and what is payable afterwards. It does not mean every cost at the port is waived.
What should I send the supplier?
Please quote container shipping for [vehicles, quantity, dimensions and condition], from [collection point] to [handover point], ready on [date]. Please specify the container type and quantity and confirm:
- Loading, OTHC, ocean freight and DTHC, with any other required services shown separately.
- Included services, exclusions and unpriced items, including the status of customs clearance and B/L fees.
- Total payable, destination charges and who pays them, currency, charge units and whether tax is included.
- Quote validity, payment terms, free time and the conditions for any extra charges.
What to keep in mind
This guide compares container shipments before booking. It is not a price list or a promise of an all-inclusive rate. The accepted offer and booking terms define the services and charges.
Documents for your shipment
- The same shipment brief for each supplier: route, vehicles, containers and ready date.
- Itemized offers showing included services, exclusions, currency, charge units and validity.
- Written confirmation of the comparable total, unresolved costs and conditions for extra charges.