Why is my invoice higher than my quote?
Short answer
Your quote is an estimate; your invoice is based on what actually shipped. Two things usually explain a higher invoice: (1) your cargo's actual measured weight or volume was larger than the figures you entered, and (2) costs that couldn't be known at quote time — such as customs duties, insurance, or destination-specific fees — were added. Occasionally the invoice is lower than the quote for the same reasons.
Reason 1: Your cargo measured larger than quoted
Your quote is calculated from the weight and dimensions you enter. Your cargo is measured again before it moves, and if the real figures are higher, the freight — and any line items priced on size or weight — goes up.
How cargo is measured depends on the mode:
Full container load (FCL) — weighed at the origin port when the container is closed. That weight sets the freight on your invoice.
Less than container load (LCL) — measured at the container freight station (CFS) before consolidation. Billed per cubic meter (CBM), unless the cargo is heavy (over 1,000 kg per CBM), which is billed at 1,000 kg.
Air — billed on chargeable weight: the greater of actual gross weight or volumetric weight. See Chargeable weight explained.
Why measurements change: Your manufacturer often gives only an estimate. LCL shipments in particular tend to grow once packaging and palletizing are added — both add weight and size.
Line items affected by re-measurement include the freight itself, plus size- and weight-based charges such as the CFS fee, chassis fee, and pier-pass charge on LCL shipments.
Reason 2: Costs that couldn't be quoted upfront
Some charges aren't known when you get your quote, so they appear on the invoice only if your shipment incurs them:
Customs duties and taxes — see Customs duties & estimating them (HTS codes).
Cargo insurance, when you add it.
Unforeseen costs such as trucking wait time or storage.
Destination-specific fees that depend on the terminal or delivery situation.
For the full included/excluded breakdown, see What's included in your quote (and what isn't).
You may receive a second invoice
If additional charges come up after the first invoice — for example, a fee that only became known later — a second invoice may follow to cover them.
How to keep quote and invoice close
Enter realistic weight and dimensions. Estimate high rather than low if you're unsure. See Run a rate search: inputs & why we ask.
Account for packaging and pallets when you measure LCL cargo.
Expect duties and any add-ons separately — they're never in the freight quote.