Freight Quote with DHL’s Instant Quote Calculator

Freight shipment quotes are calculated based on a variety of factors—including the weight and dimensions of your shipment, the distance it needs to travel, the mode of transport, and any additional services like customs clearance or insurance. By considering these variables, you can make informed decisions that align with your shipping goals and business needs.

As one of the world’s leading logistics providers, DHL makes it simple and efficient to get a transparent, customized freight quote with our Get a Quote (GaQ) tool. Offering a broad range of freight services and competitive rates, we help businesses of all sizes to manage their global shipments with confidence and ease.

Depending on your shipment, you might receive a sea/ocean freight quote, an air freight quote, a rail freight quote or a road freight quote. Each type comes with its own pricing structure and transit time, so choosing the right mode can make a big difference to both your timeline and your bottom line.

• Sea/Ocean Freight Quote:
  DHL’s ocean freight services are available worldwide, offering Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) options. These services are suitable for various shipment sizes and requirements, providing reliable and cost-effective solutions for global trade.
• Air Freight Quote:
  DHL offers air freight services globally, including standard air cargo, same-day delivery, and temperature-controlled options. These services cater to urgent or high-value shipments, ensuring fast and reliable delivery across international markets.
• Rail Freight Quote:
  DHL provides rail freight services on select long-distance international routes, notably between Europe and Asia. These services offer a balance between speed and cost, serving as a sustainable alternative to air freight for certain trade lanes. 
• Road Freight Quote:
  DHL provides road freight services across the U.S. as well as cross-border to Canada and Mexico. Services encompass Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) options.
• Multimodal Freight Quote:
  DHL’s multimodal solutions combine two or more transport modes, such as road and sea, to optimize cost and transit times. These services are designed to provide flexible and efficient logistics solutions.

Getting a free DHL freight quote is easy thanks to our freight quoting tool. The tool streamlines the process of obtaining an instant quote for various freight services—air, ocean, road, rail, and multimodal—based on the specifics of your shipment. Follow these steps to get your tailored quote in no time:

1. Provide Shipment Information
   Tell us where your package is coming from and where it’s headed. Include details like package size, weight, and shipment type to get started.
2. Select Your Delivery Option
   Choose the shipping service that best suits your needs—whether it’s fast express delivery or a more budget-friendly economy option. If you’re a frequent shipper, you can request a business account for faster checkout and better tracking.
3. Get a Shipping Estimate
   Once your information is entered, you’ll receive an instant cost estimate based on your selected service and package details.
4. Confirm and Ship
   Review your quote and, if everything looks good, simply finalize your booking right on the platform.

If you’re shipping within or from the United States, you may be asked to provide the freight class of your shipment—especially for LTL (Less-than-Truckload) freight. Freight class is a standardized way to categorize goods for transport based on their density, stowability, handling, and liability.

To calculate your freight class:

1. Measure the length, width, and height of your shipment in inches.
2. Calculate the volume in cubic inches by multiplying the dimensions, then convert that number to cubic feet (divide by 1,728).
3. Determine the density by dividing the shipment’s weight in pounds by its volume in cubic feet.
4. Match the density to a freight class using the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) chart.

You can also use Freight Density Calculator to simplify the process of calculating your freight class.

When requesting a freight quote from DHL, it’s important to know that customs clearance and documentation can significantly impact your total shipping cost. Quotes typically include estimates for duties, taxes, and other customs-related fees, which vary by destination and product type. With support from DHL’s experienced customs team, your shipment remains compliant and avoids unnecessary delays—giving you full cost transparency and greater control over your logistics planning.

Other key variables that influence your final freight shipping cost include:

• Distance & Route – Cross-border shipments may include customs and handling fees.
• Size & Weight – Heavier and bulkier items cost more to ship.
• Transport Type – Whether you choose truckload freight, sea/ocean freight, or a faster service will impact the cost.
• Delivery Speed – Express services tend to be more expensive but can reduce transit times significantly.
• Additional Services – Things like special handling, insurance, and warehouse storage can add to your quote.
• Fuel Surcharges – Depending on global fuel prices, surcharges may apply, especially for air and ocean freight. These charges are updated periodically, so it’s a good idea to check for the latest pricing.

Want to save money without sacrificing service quality? Here are a few smart ways to secure a more cost-effective freight shipping quote:

• Consolidate Shipments – Combine multiple smaller shipments into one larger load, especially for international shipments, to save on costs.
• Plan Ahead – Avoid last-minute bookings, which are often costlier, particularly for long-distance or air freight.
• Compare Options – Use the DHL quote calculator to explore different routes and timeframes.
• Consider Longer Transit Times – If your shipment isn’t urgent, you can lower freight shipping costs by choosing slower modes of transport such as ocean freight instead of air freight.
• Use DHL Expertise – Speak with a DHL specialist to optimize your logistics strategy, get personalized advice, and access volume discounts on international shipments.