Rex's Freight Notes
Seven Details for a Better DG Freight Inquiry
A good first inquiry does not need perfect terminology. It needs enough context to identify the next useful question.
Written by Rex Xu·Shanghai, China
Shanghai Dangerous Goods & International Freight Forwarding Expert
Published
2 min read
Short Answer
Start with seven groups of information: product, available DG details, quantity, packaging, origin, destination and timing. This is an inquiry checklist, not a complete declaration or a promise that no further documents will be needed.
Classification, packing and acceptance remain subject to the current edition of applicable regulations, carrier review and port requirements. Confirm before shipment.
Describe the goods and the load
1. Product: what is being shipped, with the current SDS or other available product information. 2. DG details: provide confirmed classification information where available and mark anything uncertain.
3. Quantity: package count, weight and volume with units. 4. Packaging: describe the package type and dimensions; photographs can help explain an unusual arrangement.
Describe the journey and the deadline
5. Origin: where the cargo is and whether collection is required. 6. Destination: the port or final delivery point, plus the requested service boundary.
7. Timing: cargo-ready date and required arrival date. If the shipment is for an exhibition, distinguish arrival at port from arrival at the venue.
Use “not confirmed” instead of a guess
Unknown information is useful when it is labelled honestly. State who is checking it and when an update is expected.
A quote based on preliminary information should state its assumptions. Final documentation and acceptance may require additional details depending on the cargo and proposed service.
Questions I get asked about this
- Do these seven groups complete a declaration?
- No. They are for the first inquiry, not a substitute for the required shipping documents.
- What if I do not know the UN number?
- Say it is unconfirmed and provide the available product information. Do not guess.
- Can I send photos?
- Yes, when you are authorised to share them. Do not include unnecessary personal or confidential identifiers.
- Should I specify FCL or LCL?
- State your preference if known; the shipment information allows the suitable options to be discussed.
Related
Services
From Rex's Freight Notes
China DG Export: Packaging, Maritime and Customs
Different documents, different purposes: coordinate the actual shipment.
UN Number: What to Check Before Booking
Link the UN number to the actual product and supporting information.
Shipping Line DG Requirements: From Enquiry to Review
Define the response, assign the questions and track the next action.
Send me the shipment details
Cargo, UN number if you have it, quantity, packaging, destination and the required arrival date. If the classification is unsettled, say so and attach the MSDS.