Two quotes for the same shipment can differ by thousands and both be correct, because they cover different distances. Service level is the scope of the quote, and it is the first thing to align before comparing anything. Incoterms decide who is responsible; service level decides what the forwarder is selling you.
The five levels
| Service level | Starts at | Ends at | You still arrange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port to port | Origin port/airport | Destination port/airport | Both ends of trucking, both customs, all terminal charges |
| Door to port | Supplier's factory | Destination port/airport | Import customs, destination charges, final delivery |
| Port to door | Origin port/airport | Your warehouse | Export pickup and export customs |
| Door to door | Supplier's factory | Your warehouse | Usually nothing operationally — but see duties below |
| DDP | Supplier's factory | Your warehouse, duties paid | Nothing, in principle |
What sits outside almost every quote
This is where "all-in" quotes stop being all-in. Unless the quote says otherwise in writing, assume these are extra:
- Duties and import taxes — excluded from everything except DDP. A door-to-door quote does not include duty.
- Customs examination fees — if your container is pulled for inspection, you pay, and no forwarder can quote it in advance.
- Demurrage and detention — charged when free time runs out, for reasons that are often not the forwarder's fault. Estimate exposure with the detention and demurrage calculator.
- Cargo insurance — carrier liability is not insurance, and is limited by weight, not value. See why carrier liability is never enough.
- Storage at origin if the cargo is not ready, or at destination if you cannot take delivery.
- Waiting time and failed delivery at your own dock — see delivery appointment scheduling.
DDP deserves specific caution
DDP looks like the simplest option and is the one most often mispriced. The seller becomes the importer of record in your country, which in several jurisdictions they are not entitled to be, and it can leave you unable to reclaim import VAT because the import was not made in your name. It also hides the duty rate inside a single number, so you cannot see whether the classification used was correct.
For most commercial importers, buying FOB or FCA and controlling your own freight gives better visibility and usually a better price. DDP vs DAP vs FOB covers the trade-offs, and the Incoterms responsibility chart shows who pays what under each term.
Matching service level to Incoterm
The two must agree or you will pay for the same leg twice, or for neither:
- Buying EXW — you need at minimum door-to-port, and export customs handled.
- Buying FOB — the supplier delivers to the origin port, so port-to-door is the natural match.
- Buying CIF — freight to destination port is already paid; you need destination clearance and delivery only. Watch destination terminal charges, which CIF quotes frequently exclude.
- Buying DAP — delivery is covered, duty is not.
Use the Incoterms selector if you are unsure which term your deal should use.
Comparing quotes across service levels
- Ask every forwarder to quote the same level — state it explicitly in the request.
- Require destination charges itemised, not folded into "local charges".
- Confirm free time in days at both ends, in writing.
- Ask what is excluded as a direct question. The answer separates good forwarders from cheap ones.
- Check the validity date — a rate you cannot book next week is not a comparison.
More on the mechanics: how to compare freight quotes and what to check before you book.
Post one request and get quotes on the same scope, or find forwarders on your lane.
