The base rate in the railway offer is not equal to the full door-to-door cost. Separately, delivery to the terminal, loading, equipment, documents, borders and ferry, destination terminal, customs and last mile can be taken into account.
What data is needed?
The exact name, available information on the HS code, packaging, number of pieces, total and unit weight and dimensions, addresses, Incoterms, date of readiness and special requirements are indicated. Inaccurate dimensions or generic product names may lead to incorrect selection of equipment and tariff.
Terminal and equipment
The container or wagon, loading method, crane capabilities of the terminal and auto pick-up are jointly checked. Oversize items may require a drawing, center of gravity, attachment points, and loading plan.
Transit and documents
For each operator and border, it is determined who submits the document, how the data is transferred and how the transhipment is processed. Discrepancies in commercial documents can delay the terminal and customs.
How to compare offers?
Use the same addresses, dates, cargo details, Incoterms and services. Correct comparison is possible when the rate, included and excluded items, estimated schedule, transitions, free time, insurance and validity period are shown separately.
What is not permanent?
Operator capacity, train and ferry schedules, weather, borders, terminal loads and currencies change. Therefore, the price and term require written confirmation, and the old offer does not automatically apply to the new date.
How to read the scope of a rail freight rate
A terminal-to-terminal offer does not include the same operations as a door-to-door offer. Before comparing prices, identify where cargo is accepted, the condition in which it is handed over and who is responsible for intermediate operations.
| Leg | Information | Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Factory or warehouse address | Is delivery to the origin terminal included? |
| Equipment | Container/wagon type and cargo dimensions | How are equipment provision and use charged? |
| Main route | Origin and destination terminals | Are transit and possible transshipments covered? |
| Handover | Cargo release and final address | Are unloading, storage and final road transport included? |
Provide actual packed dimensions, total gross weight and packaging type. Ask whether the stated time starts at terminal acceptance, train departure or another event. Where several operators are involved, agree who consolidates delay updates.
