Freight cost changes after a quote is issued are managed based on the quote's validity period and the shipping terms (CIF or FOB) agreed upon in your proforma invoice.

Ocean freight is a dynamic market where rates can fluctuate weekly due to fuel prices, container availability, port congestion, and seasonal demand. To provide buyers with stable and reliable pricing, vehicle export quotes are issued with a specific validity period, typically between 7 and 14 days. This period represents a window during which the quoted shipping rate is locked in with our logistics partners.

How Quotes Account for Freight Volatility

A professional proforma invoice (PI) is your safeguard against unexpected price hikes. It clearly outlines the vehicle price, shipping costs, insurance, and the expiration date of the offer. As long as you confirm your order and process the initial payment within this timeframe, the quoted freight cost is secured for your shipment.

At Starvia Automotive, we prioritize clarity to prevent surprises. If market conditions are particularly unstable, we will communicate this upfront and may offer a shorter validity period to ensure the rate we provide is accurate and honored by the shipping line.

Our Process for Handling Price Adjustments

To ensure a smooth and transparent transaction, we follow a clear process if freight costs change:

  1. Receive a Detailed Quote: Starvia Automotive provides a comprehensive quote using our Transparent CIF and FOB Pricing. This document clearly states all costs and includes a validity date, giving you a fixed window to make your decision.

  2. Confirm Within the Validity Period: If you accept the quote and complete the deposit payment before the expiration date, the freight cost is locked in. The price on your proforma invoice is the price you will pay for shipping.

  3. Address an Expired Quote: If you decide to proceed after the quote has expired, we will request a new, updated freight rate from our shipping partners. We will then issue a revised proforma invoice for your review and approval. We never proceed with an order based on an expired rate.

Ultimately, working with an experienced export partner ensures that freight volatility is managed professionally. We handle the logistics of securing rates so you can focus on the vehicles, confident that there will be no hidden fees or last-minute cost increases.