How to read your RateSearch results

How to read the results after you run a rate search — what each option is telling you, how to compare them, and how to move a rate to a booking.

1. Review your options. Each result is one service, with its price and estimated transit time. Faster options usually cost more; slower ones usually cost less.

2. Compare price against transit time. Decide what matters most for this shipment — speed or cost. Air is fastest and priciest; ocean is slower and cheaper. For the trade-offs, see FCL vs LCL vs parcel: which to choose and Types of air service.

3. Open a result for the full breakdown. Select a rate to see what's included and any surcharges rolled into the price.

The price is an all-in freight figure covering the freight and standard surcharges. Duties, taxes, and optional add-ons are separate — see What's included in your quote (and what isn't).

1. Check the validity window. Rates are tied to a validity period. Book within it to lock the price. See How long is my quote valid?.

2. Request a booking on the rate you want. When an option works, request it and your Prime Freight team takes it from there.

• It's an estimate based on your inputs. Your final invoice reflects actual measured cargo. If real weight or volume is higher than you entered, the invoice can be higher too. See Why is my invoice higher than my quote?.

• Some charges aren't shown. Customs duties and taxes, optional insurance, and destination-specific fees are billed separately. See What's included in your quote (and what isn't).

• You may see more than one rate type. A stable contract rate and a spot rate can both appear for the same lane. See Understanding your bi-weekly rate emails for what each means.

• Add optional cover at this stage. You can request cargo insurance and other add-ons — see Add-ons at quote time: insurance, brokerage & bonds.

• No results for your lane? The route may not be covered by instant rates. Request a custom air or ocean rate and the team will quote it.

• Rate looks off for your cargo? Re-check your weight and dimensions on the search form — small input errors move the price. See Run a rate search: inputs & why we ask.

• Run a rate search: inputs & why we ask

• What's included in your quote (and what isn't)

• How long is my quote valid?

• Why is my invoice higher than my quote?

• View & approve a booking