Why Does the Cost of Cargo Delivery Sometimes Change After Shipment?
Imagine this: you have found a supplier, agreed on your order, and received a quotation from a logistics company — for example, USD 1,200 for delivery. You include this amount in your budget, but before the shipment or during transportation, you find out that the final cost has changed.
Why does this happen?
In reality, the preliminary quotation may differ from the final amount for several objective reasons. Let’s look at the main ones.
1. The Actual Weight Differs from the Declared Weight
When calculating the transportation cost, a logistics company relies on the information provided by the customer or supplier. If the cargo has not yet been weighed, the weight is often approximate.
For example, the initially declared weight is 500 kg, but after the cargo is actually weighed, it turns out to be 560 kg. The carrier recalculates the cost based on the actual weight.
This is especially important for air freight, where the cost may be based not only on the actual weight but also on the volumetric weight.
2. The Cargo Volume Has Changed
Sometimes the supplier provides approximate dimensions, while the exact measurements become available only after the cargo has been packed.
For example, the initial information states that there are 10 boxes with a total volume of 1.5 m³, but the final volume turns out to be 2 m³.
The more space the cargo occupies, the higher the transportation cost may be.
That is why it is important to provide the dimensions of each package, rather than only an approximate total volume.
3. The Number of Packages Has Changed
The cargo may be divided into more boxes, pallets or crates than originally planned.
For example:
Initially: 10 packages / 250 kg
Finally: 14 packages / 320 kg
Obviously, such a change requires a different transportation calculation.
4. Additional Services Were Not Included in the Initial Cost
One of the most common reasons for misunderstandings is that the customer assumes the quoted rate is the final all-inclusive cost.
However, international transportation may consist of several stages:
cargo pickup → export customs clearance → terminal handling → international transportation → import customs clearance → delivery to the final destination.
Some of these services may be charged separately.
For example, the initial rate may include only international transportation, while cargo pickup from the supplier or delivery from the airport to the final address may be excluded.
5. The Route or Transportation Conditions Have Changed
The cost may also change due to changes in the route, flight schedule, carrier capacity or other operational circumstances.
If the original transportation option becomes unavailable, the logistics company may offer an alternative route. It may differ in both transit time and cost.
6. The Delivery Terms Have Changed
The final transportation cost is also affected by Incoterms, such as EXW, FOB or CIF.
For example, under EXW terms, the buyer may need to arrange cargo pickup from the supplier’s warehouse and handle export procedures separately. Under other Incoterms, some of these costs may be the seller’s responsibility.
Therefore, it is important to specify the delivery terms of the shipment when requesting a quotation.
How Can You Avoid Changes in the Delivery Cost?
The more accurate the cargo information is at the quotation stage, the more accurate the initial calculation will be.
It is recommended to provide:
number of packages;
gross weight;
dimensions of each package;
pickup address;
destination;
cargo description;
HS Code, if available;
Incoterms;
preferred transportation method.
It is also important to ask the logistics company:
“What is included in the quoted price, and what additional charges may apply?”
This simple question can help avoid many misunderstandings.
Why Is It Important to Compare More Than Just the Price?
The cheapest quotation is not always the most cost-effective option.
For example, one company offers transportation for USD 1,000, while another offers it for USD 1,100.
At first glance, the first option seems cheaper. However, if cargo pickup, terminal charges and additional services are not included, the final difference may disappear.
That is why, when choosing a logistics provider, it is important to consider not only the price, but also the scope of services, transit time and transportation conditions.
NOMADTRANZIT — When Transparent Pricing Matters
At NOMADTRANZIT, we consider the cargo characteristics, route, delivery terms and selected transportation method to find the most suitable delivery solution.
Our goal is to help customers understand what the transportation cost consists of and what additional expenses may arise during the shipment process.
Planning to deliver cargo to Kazakhstan?
Send us your cargo details — weight, volume, number of packages, pickup address and destination.
We will help you choose the appropriate transportation option and calculate the delivery cost.