Getting accurate, competitive freight quotes starts with providing thorough information to your logistics provider.
This comprehensive checklist will help you gather all the essential details before requesting a shipping quote. Having this information ready not only speeds up the quoting process but also helps ensure you receive the most accurate pricing and appropriate service recommendations.
Feel free to copy this template and use it as your pre-quote information gathering tool. Simply fill in the details for your specific shipment, and you'll be fully prepared when contacting your logistics provider.
Company Name:
Contact Person:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Billing Address:
Pickup Location (Full Address):
Facility Type: (Distribution Center, Manufacturing Facility, Warehouse, Residential, Other)
Loading Hours:
Loading Dock Available: (Yes/No)
Forklift Available: (Yes/No)
Any Access Restrictions:
Delivery Location (Full Address):
Facility Type: (Distribution Center, Manufacturing Facility, Warehouse, Residential, Other)
Delivery Hours:
Receiving Dock Available: (Yes/No)
Forklift Available: (Yes/No)
Any Access Restrictions:
Desired Pickup Date:
Pickup Time Window (if applicable):
Required Delivery Date:
Delivery Appointment Required: (Yes/No)
Flexibility: (Must be exact dates, +/- 1 day, +/- 2 days, Flexible)
Is this a recurring shipment? (One-time, Regular, Periodic)
If recurring, frequency: (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Other)
Estimated annual shipments on this lane:
Product Description:
Packaged For Transport: (Yes/No)
Freight Class (if known):
Value of Goods: $
Is this hazardous material? (Yes/No)
If hazardous, UN Number and Class:
Total Weight: (lbs)
Freight Type: (Palletized, Floor-loaded, Crated, Other)
Number of Pallets:
Dimensions (L×W×H): (inches per pallet)
Weight per Pallet: (lbs)
Stackable: (Yes/No)
Total Cubic Feet:
Total Linear Feet:
Overall Dimensions (L×W×H): (inches)
Temperature Requirements: (None, Refrigerated - Temperature range)
Special Handling Needed: (Fragile, Top-heavy, Oversized, Time-sensitive)
Other Special Requirements:
(Select one)
(Select one)
(Select all that apply)
Loading will be done by: (Shipper personnel, Driver, Third-party lumpers)
Unloading will be done by: (Receiver personnel, Driver, Third-party lumpers)
Estimated time to load: (hours)
Estimated time to unload: (hours)
Cargo Insurance Requirement: $ (standard is $100,000)
Additional Insurance Requirements:
Special Instructions or Requirements:
Having complete information before requesting a quote helps your logistics provider in several important ways:
By using this template to gather all necessary information before contacting your logistics provider, you'll streamline the quoting process and increase the likelihood of receiving the most competitive and accurate quote possible.
Remember that logistics providers like Badger Logistics are here to help. If you're uncertain about any of these details or need assistance determining the right equipment or service level, don't hesitate to ask. With our experience across various freight types and industries, we can guide you through the information-gathering process to ensure your shipping needs are properly addressed.
At Badger Logistics, we combine asset-based trucking with extensive brokerage capabilities, warehousing, and maintenance services to provide integrated logistics solutions for Wisconsin shippers. This guide reflects not just my personal experience but the collective wisdom of our team, which brings over a century of combined Wisconsin logistics experience to every shipment we handle.
While freight transportation will always involve challenges, the right approach and partnerships can transform logistics from a constant struggle into a sustainable competitive advantage. I hope this guide helps you navigate Wisconsin's unique shipping environment more effectively.
For specific questions or to discuss your particular freight challenges or to get a competitive quote, feel free to reach out directly or submit the quote request form below. We'll be in touch within one business day.