A firm drayage quote is a written price from a licensed US provider for your specific container move, sent to you by email. It is different from a market range, which is a general guide to what a move typically costs.
Knowing the difference helps you plan a budget first and book at a price you can rely on.
Market range vs firm quoteLink to the section “Market range vs firm quote”
| Topic | Typical market range | Firm quote |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A general guide to what a lane typically costs | A price for your exact move |
| Based on | The port and the distance to your delivery ZIP | Your address, weight, timing and cargo details |
| Who gives it | Shown on DrayageUS before you ask | A licensed US provider, by email |
| Is it an offer? | No. It is market information | Yes, once the provider sends it in writing |
| Includes | Per container, one way, fuel included, accessorials extra | The rate, what's included and the accessorial rates that apply |
What a firm quote should showLink to the section “What a firm quote should show”
Look for these in any drayage quote, from any source:
- Who is quoting. The provider is named.
- The rate, per container, one way, and whether fuel is included.
- What's included: for example chassis days, free waiting time and storage days.
- The accessorial rates that apply if something changes (extra chassis days, waiting time, storage, overweight and so on). Our guide to accessorial charges explains each one.
- How long the price holds. Firm quotes through DrayageUS are usually valid for 7 days unless the quote says otherwise. Check the date, because fuel surcharges can change.
- Payment terms.
Why a market range and a firm quote can differLink to the section “Why a market range and a firm quote can differ”
The range is built for a typical move. Your move may not be typical. These details change the number:
- The exact delivery address, not just the ZIP code.
- Cargo weight. Heavy loads can need a different chassis or permits.
- Hazardous or temperature-controlled cargo.
- Timing. A tight last free day, a weekend or after-hours delivery.
- Delivery set-up: live unload or drop and pick, appointments, receiving hours.
- Port or terminal specifics, such as chassis availability and port fees.
What to send to get an accurate quoteLink to the section “What to send to get an accurate quote”
- Port of discharge (or rail ramp)
- Delivery address and type (warehouse, distribution centre, retail, residential)
- Container size and type
- Cargo weight, and whether it's hazardous or temperature-controlled
- Ready date or vessel ETA
- Live unload or drop and pick, and any appointment or receiving-hour limits
The guide to booking US drayage from overseas has the full list.
How to compare two quotesLink to the section “How to compare two quotes”
Compare the likely total, not only the headline rate. Check what's included, what the accessorial rates are and how long the price holds. Two quotes with the same rate can cost very different amounts once extra days and waiting time are added.
How it works on DrayageUSLink to the section “How it works on DrayageUS”
- Check the typical range for your port and delivery ZIP.
- Send your shipment details using the quote form.
- A licensed US provider sends a firm quote by email within 24 hours.
- If you accept it, your contract is with that provider, under the provider's own terms.
Check the typical range for your lane, then request a firm quote.