How to create an International LCL SPOT quotation?

Use the International LCL SPOT quotation to request ocean freight proposals when the cargo will be consolidated with other shipments in the same container.

LCL stands for Less than Container Load. In this type of operation, the cargo occupies only part of the container. This option is usually recommended for smaller volumes, when there is no need to hire an exclusive container and the urgency is low, therefore not justifying air freight.

How to start an LCL SPOT quotation

1. Access the Quotations screen

In the left-side menu, under the Management section, click Quotations.

2.  Click Create Quotation Request

On the requests screen, click Create Quote Request, and choose the Sea LCL mode.

Filling in the main information

3. Review each field

Required fields will be identified with a red asterisk, except for those that, according to market practice, are already considered mandatory, for example: providing at least one origin and one destination.

Even so, we recommend filling in as much information as possible to make the logistics provider’s analysis and response easier.

• Business Units: Select the BU this quotation belongs to.

• Your Reference: Enter an internal reference to identify the quotation.

• Lane: Select whether the quotation is for import, export, or domestic transportation (for example, cabotage).

• Incoterm: According to the selected mode, choose the route’s incoterm.

• Estimated Cargo Readiness: Select the date when the cargo will be ready to begin transportation.

• Pickup: Depending on the incoterm, click “Pickup” and search for the address where the cargo will be collected. This field is automatically connected to Google Maps for a more efficient search.

• Origin Port: Depending on the incoterm and mode, select the port or airport of origin.

• Destination Port: Depending on the incoterm and mode, select the port or airport of destination.

• Delivery: Depending on the incoterm, select the delivery address.

• Cargo Details: enter your Packing List in this field.

  • For LCL, you must enter the cargo measurements, in kilograms/centimeters or in pounds/inches. This will automatically calculate the gross weight (GWT), m³, and the number of packages.
    • If there are several volumes, to avoid filling out each item individually in the Cargo Details button, enter the shipment totals directly in the gross weight, m³, and number of packages fields. This information is sufficient for the logistics provider to price the shipment.

• Cargo Value: Add the cargo value. 

• Cargo Description: Add a description of the cargo to complement the information for the logistics provider.

• NCM: If possible, add the NCM. If there is more than one, separate them with commas.

• Type of cargo: Select the type of cargo.

  • Note: when dangerous or perishable cargo is selected, additional fields will be displayed for completion.
    •  In "DG UN Quantity", enter the number of UNs that will be shipped, and in "Additional Details", describe the cargo information. 

• Stackable: indicate whether or not the cargo is stackable.

• Supplier Groups: Add a supplier group to this quotation.

• Suppliers: If you do not want to add a group, add suppliers one by one in this field.

• Time Zone: Select your time zone. It will be converted to the time zone of the other suppliers that have a different time zone registered.

• Deadline: Select the final submission deadline for logistics providers. 

• Required Validity for Quote: In this field, indicate the ideal validity period for the logistics providers’ prices. Note: this field does not prevent the provider from entering a shorter validity period; it only serves as guidance. 

• Additional Services:

  • Customs Clearance: Refers to the process of releasing the cargo through customs, either for export or import. Select this option if you want the logistics provider to be responsible for this process.

  • International Insurance: Cargo insurance service during international transportation, covering losses, damages, or misplacement caused by events such as shipwreck, theft, or improper handling. Select this option if you want the logistics provider to be responsible for this process.

  • Letter of Credit Management: Refers to support in managing and complying with the terms of a Letter of Credit (LC), which is a formal and secure international payment method issued by banks to companies. Select this option if you want to notify the supplier that you have a Letter of Credit, as an additional fee may be charged due to the greater accuracy required from them when correcting and issuing documents.

  • Storage: Service that provides space to temporarily store cargo in warehouses, either before shipment or after arrival. Select this option if you want the logistics provider to be responsible for this process.

  • Other: If there is another fee that must be mandatorily informed by the logistics provider, enable this option and enter the fee name. When filling out the quotation, an additional line with the name of this fee will be displayed, and its completion will be mandatory.

• Cc User Group: If you have registered a user group from your company that you want to copy, add it in this field.

• Cc: If you do not have a registered user group, select the users you want to copy one by one. 

• Attachments: Add quotation attachments.

• Notes: Add any important information in the notes. These notes will appear in the notification email sent to the logistics provider and during the quotation filling process in the system.

• Automated Emails: Edit, if necessary, the thank-you message sent to rejected logistics providers and the approval message for the selected provider.

• Quotation Remarks: In quotation remarks, add the general terms and conditions for this shipment.

After completing this information, click Save Draft if any critical information is missing but you want to save your current progress. Otherwise, click Submit.