What to include in a Seattle–Tacoma drayage quote request.

Two containers traveling between the same cities can have very different operating requirements. Weight, terminal timing, equipment and the receiving process all affect how a move is planned. Share what you know at the outset and identify anything still awaiting confirmation.

1. Identify both ends of the move

Provide the actual marine terminal or pickup location and the complete delivery address. A city alone does not describe the receiving operation. Include the receiver’s hours, appointment process, truck access instructions and whether unloading will happen while the driver waits or after the container is dropped.

2. Describe the container and cargo

List container size and type, commodity, weight and packaging. If the cargo needs temperature control, special handling or a particular equipment configuration, flag that early. Accurate weight information helps the team evaluate equipment and routing instead of relying on a standard-container assumption.

3. Share the timing information you have

For an import, include estimated arrival, availability, release status and last free day when those details are known. For an export, include the booking, receiving window and cutoff. Indicate which dates are confirmed and which are estimates. Terminal and carrier instructions can change, so check current details with the relevant parties.

4. Explain equipment and unloading needs

Tell the team whether a chassis arrangement already exists, whether the receiver expects a live unload or a drop, and whether there are unusual site limitations. If a container must move between a terminal, yard and warehouse, describe the complete sequence. Each additional handoff needs a workable schedule.

5. Add warehouse and onward transportation requirements

If the cargo needs transloading, cross-docking or storage, include pallet or carton counts, floor-loaded versus palletized configuration, expected storage duration and outbound destinations. For an intermodal connection, identify the rail ramp and shipment references when available.

6. Flag customs and special handling early

Let the team know whether cargo has been released or whether you are planning an in-bond movement. Your customs broker should confirm the customs requirements. Share the broker’s business contact and the proposed authorized destination when relevant. Avoid sending sensitive documents until an appropriate exchange process has been arranged.

7. Ask what the quote includes

Request a clear description of the proposed service, equipment, expected timing and applicable assumptions. Discuss fuel, chassis, waiting time, additional stops, storage and any other potential charges relevant to your move. Availability and operating conditions should be confirmed before the shipment is committed.

For current gateway resources, visit The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s trucker resources. Confirm terminal and carrier requirements for the specific shipment.