Understanding Quote Details
Cario provides the Quick Quote function to help users understand freight costs, service options, and delivery requirements before creating a consignment.
This feature is designed to give early visibility into pricing, transit times, and service suitability, allowing informed decisions without committing to a booking.
How Quote Details Are Calculated
A quote is generated based on a combination of:
- Collection and delivery locations (Suburb or Postcode needed only)
- Item dimensions, weight, and quantity
- Container or packaging type
- Special handling requirements such as tail lift, hand unload, or dangerous goods
- Carrier rate cards and service rules
Cario automatically validates this information to ensure the quote reflects realistic freight conditions and carrier requirements.
Understanding Quote Results
Once calculated, Cario presents available carrier services with clear indicators:
- The lowest-cost option is highlighted to help identify the most economical service
- The fastest estimated delivery time (ETA) is highlighted to support time-critical decisions
This allows users to balance cost vs speed based on operational priorities.
Dimension & Volume Validation
To maintain pricing accuracy, Cario continuously checks item dimensions and volume:
- Quotes will not proceed if the calculated volume is below the minimum threshold required by carriers
- Warning messages appear when dimensions seem unusually large, helping prevent unit entry errors (e.g. millimetres instead of centimetres)
- Visual indicators highlight fields that may impact pricing or quote validity
These checks reduce the risk of unexpected charges, invoice discrepancies, or carrier rejections.
Quote to Consignment Flow
A Quick Quote can seamlessly transition into a consignment:
- Location and item details carry over automatically. Will need to add a Full Address.
- Optional references and delivery instructions can be added
- Carrier services are re-evaluated using the same cost and ETA logic
This ensures consistency between the quoted cost and the final booking.
Why Understanding Quote Details Matters
Understanding how quote details are calculated helps users:
- Make informed freight decisions before booking
- Avoid pricing issues caused by incorrect dimensions or handling selections
- Confidently compare carrier services
- Reduce invoice reconciliation discrepancies after delivery
Related Knowledge Base Articles
- Saving a Quote – Link to be provided
- Retrieving a Saved Quote – Link to be provided
- Testing Rate Cards – Link to be provided