The quote is the final number, no hidden fees
One number with every both-end surcharge already in it, each line itemized. No cheap teaser rate that grows once the cargo has sailed.
What the final price covers
A Protrans quote already carries every both-end surcharge. No teaser rate that grows later.
Freight
Ocean, air or road freight by lane and cargo type.
Carrier surcharges
THC, PSS, BAF/CAF and the rest, itemized in the quote.
Local charges, both ends
Port, lift on/off and documentation fees at origin and destination.
DEM/DET & storage
Demurrage and storage exposure estimated up front so you can plan around it.
Customs & C/O
Declaration, inspection, C/O for FTA preferences.
Cargo insurance
ICC A/B/C per Incoterms, optional per shipment.
Where a teaser rate and a final price part ways
A quote that looks unusually cheap is usually only the tip. This is what makes the difference.
Cheap on the quote, expensive at settlement
One number, every line, no surprises
Understand every line in the quote
The surcharges you meet most in international freight, briefly explained so you read a quote like an insider.
Container handling and lift on/off at the terminal, charged at both origin and destination.
A peak-season fee carriers apply when shipping demand spikes.
Fuel-price and exchange-rate adjustment, indexed to the market.
Fee for keeping a container past free time inside the port area.
Fee for keeping a container past free time outside the port, at your warehouse.
Local fees on both ends: documentation (D/O, B/L), seal, container cleaning and so on.
What a final quote looks like
This is an illustrative cost breakdown for a typical FCL shipment, so you can see how clearly we split out the lines. Not a live quote.
| Line item | Description | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight | 40HC ocean freight on this lane | 2,800 |
| BAF/CAF | Bunker & currency adjustment | 320 |
| THC at origin | Terminal handling at the Vietnamese port | 120 |
| Origin local charges | D/O, seal, cleaning, telex release | 90 |
| Documentation fee (B/L) | Bill of lading issuance | 40 |
| Destination THC & handling | Charges at the port of Los Angeles | 210 |
| Cargo insurance (optional) | ICC per Incoterms, ~0.1% of cargo value | on cargo value |
| Final price, all surcharges included (optional insurance not included) | 3,580 | |
Pricing questions
Does the quote include surcharges?
Yes. The quote is the final number, lists every surcharge on both ends, with nothing added beyond the signed sheet.
Why is another provider cheaper?
Usually because that quote covers freight only, without THC, local or DEM/DET. Ask them to itemize everything for a fair comparison.
How fast is a quote?
Usually very fast during business hours for common lanes; specialized lanes within the business day at most.
Does the price change after I commit?
No change to the signed lines. Only behaviour-based items such as DEM/DET from container dwell can arise, and we flag them upfront so you stay in control.
Do you issue VAT invoices?
Yes, every shipment comes with a valid VAT invoice that reconciles cleanly for your accounting.
Do I need to see prices to know the line items?
No. Sign in to the portal for the exact figures per lane, but the structure of the line items is transparent right here.
See the final price for your shipment
Send a request and get the exact figures for your lane, fast during business hours. No hidden fees.