All freight quotes are accompanied by an expiry date, once this date has passed, the quote expires, so do the rate associated with the quote. This is because the tariffs offered by carriers change frequently and are only guaranteed for a limited amount of time. Shipping rates are subject to an extremely volatile market and seasonal changes, including GRI and PSS.
Therefore, ocean FCL rates are generally valid for a maximum of two weeks at a time (expiring on the 15th and 30th of each month). LCL rates may last longer and typically expire at the end of each month.
However, air prices are more subject to change and usually expire after a week (or sometimes less). Technically, airlines can, at their discretion, change rates before a flight actually takes off, although they are valid for their validity period — although rates generally remain until a given date.
Standard Freight Quote
Standard shipping is the discounted price that TJ china freight gets from the carrier. Because of the large quantities we offer carriers, they are able to offer us discounted rates. This in turn gives us the opportunity to provide our clients with the highest level of service at competitive prices.
Due to fluctuating fuel prices, these discounted prices are valid for 30 days. Fuel charges are percentage surcharges added to all shipments. During the 30 days that quotes are valid, they are not expected to fluctuate so much as to cause pricing to change.
What if the offer for a reservation expires?
For all U.S. inbound and outbound ocean freight, rates are locked with the carrier once the container is in the container yard at the port of origin (or, in the case of LCL, gated in the warehouse). If a shipment comes in after the quote due date, we will need to re-quote the shipment at the new updated rate. In order to comply with FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) regulations, TJ china freight needs to have a valid NRA (Negotiated Rate Arrangement) before the shipment departs. Once the shipment is rebooked with the updated rates, we are ready to sail!
Do I still need to book in advance if the offer is due to expire?
Yes! If your shipment is ready to ship after the current rate setting expires, it is best to book in advance. The more notice we have of upcoming shipments, the more time we have to ensure that flights or boats are booked as early as possible. Typically, space on ships and flights is booked at least a week in advance; in high season, this can happen up to two weeks in advance.
