How to request a transport quote — what to include for a fast, accurate offer

A transport enquiry should include the loading and delivery addresses (with postcode and country), the date the goods are ready and the required delivery date, the number of pallets or pieces with dimensions and weight, the type of goods and whether the pallets can be stacked. It should also state how loading and unloading work (dock, forklift, tail lift), any time slots or delivery booking, special requirements (temperature, seal, full-value insurance) and an on-site contact. With complete details a quote can be sent within 30 minutes.

Addresses	loading and delivery incl. postcode and country
Dates	when ready, when it must arrive
Shipment	number, size and weight of pallets, stackability
On site	dock, forklift or tail lift
Special	temperature, time slot, seal, insurance

The more precise the enquiry, the faster and more accurate the quote. A missing detail — such as the pallet weight or the fact that there is no dock at delivery — means follow-up questions or the wrong vehicle. Here is a checklist of what to put in a transport enquiry.

1. Where and when

Loading and delivery address with postcode and country — for an indicative quote the town and postcode are enough.
When the goods are ready and when they must arrive.
Any time slots or a warehouse delivery booking.

2. What is being shipped

Number of pallets or pieces and their dimensions (e.g. 120 × 80 × 150 cm).
Weight — ideally per pallet and in total.
Type of goods and whether the pallets can be stacked.

The dimensions give the loading metres — see What is LDM. How to prepare pallets is covered in How to prepare pallets for transport.

3. Loading and unloading

Is there a dock, a forklift, or is a tail lift needed?
Access restrictions — narrow street, clearance height, truck bans.
Who loads and unloads and whether manual handling is needed.

4. Special requirements

Temperature — chilled, frozen or frost-free.
Value of the goods if you want full-value insurance.
Seal, direct transport without transhipment, return of pallets.
For imports and exports: delivery terms (Incoterms), and customs documents for goods from outside the EU.

5. Contacts

A name and phone number at loading and delivery make it easier for the driver to coordinate on site. Companies should also give their billing details (company name, VAT number).

Sample enquiry

“Loading 612 00 Brno, ready 14 Oct from 8:00; delivery 80331 Munich, DE, by 15 Oct. Three euro pallets 120 × 80 × 140 cm, 450 kg each, not stackable, electrical goods. Loading from a dock, unloading without a dock – tail lift needed.”

You can send the enquiry through the online calculator, which also shows an indicative price. We send a binding quote within 30 minutes.

Related services: Pallet transport · International transport

Frequently asked questions

What must a transport enquiry include?

Loading and delivery addresses, dates, number, size and weight of pallets, type of goods and how loading and unloading work.

Is the town enough in an enquiry?

For an indicative quote the town and postcode are enough; add the exact address when ordering.

Why is the pallet weight important?

It determines the vehicle and, for heavy goods, the price – a truck can reach its weight limit before its space is used.

What if I do not know the exact pallet dimensions?

Give at least approximate dimensions and height; for euro pallets the number and height are enough.

Do I have to state the type of goods?

Yes, it decides the vehicle and securing – beverages, machinery or textiles each need something different.

Why mention whether there is a dock?

Without a dock and forklift a tail-lift vehicle or another unloading method is needed.

How do I state a time slot?

Give the date and time of the slot and whether it is a booked warehouse delivery, with the booking number if available.

When should I state the value of the goods?

When you want additional full-value insurance – carrier liability under CMR is limited.

How quickly will the quote arrive?

With complete details, usually within 30 minutes.

What should an import enquiry include?

The supplier’s address, the date the goods are ready, the delivery terms (Incoterms) and customs documents for goods from outside the EU.

Can I request a quote by phone?

Yes, on +420 722 311 499; have the details from the checklist ready.

Do you need an on-site contact?

Yes, a name and phone number at loading and delivery make coordination easier for the driver.

Which billing details should I give?

Company name, VAT number and any order number that should appear on the invoice.

What if the details change after the enquiry?

Let us know as early as possible – a different quantity, weight or date can change the vehicle and the price.

Can I request several transports at once?

Yes, list them in one enquiry – regular or consecutive transports can be planned together.

Jaromír Knapek · Knapek Spedition Freight forwarding and road transport, Břeclav · Published 19. 3. 2026 · Updated 28. 9. 2026