A useful cargo quotation begins with good information. For gold bullion and loose polished diamonds, the carrier must know what is being offered, the intended route, how the consignment will be documented and whether the goods are eligible for its service.
Start with a non-confidential shipment overview
For an initial enquiry, provide the origin and destination cities and countries, the general commodity type, number of bars or stones, approximate weight and indicative value, and the requested shipping timeframe. Avoid sending passport scans, vault addresses, security codes or detailed storage instructions through a general website form.
Prepare an accurate itemized description
A follow-up cargo manifest should identify bullion quantity, measured weights, documented fineness and marks. Diamond information may include individual carat weights, natural or laboratory-grown identification, available laboratory report numbers and valuation evidence. Figures estimated from a target dollar amount are not physical measurements.
Ask the provider to confirm these six points
- Commodity acceptance: does the named carrier or forwarder permit the exact gold or gemstones offered?
- Scope: is collection included, or does carriage start at a cargo terminal?
- Route: what routing is actually accepted, and which events remain provisional?
- Charges: which costs cover carriage, specialist handling, customs brokerage, taxes and insurance, if available?
- Custody: when does the transport provider take responsibility and issue a receipt?
- Coverage: which insurer or policy, limits, exclusions, insured parties and dates apply?
Compare an estimate with the final booking
A preliminary quotation is not a confirmed flight reservation. Ask for dated written terms and verify the identity of the contracting service provider independently. IATA’s air cargo preparation guidance explains why cargo descriptions, markings, bookings and acceptance checks matter.
What the first enquiry should never promise
Without a booked and accepted shipment, there is no defensible flight itinerary, guaranteed handover time or carrier-issued tracking reference. A quoted price, website shipment entry or proposed route is not proof of physical custody.
Information reviewed October 2026. This is general educational content and not a binding quotation, carrier confirmation, customs ruling, insurance certificate, or legal/tax advice. Requirements depend on commodity classification, route, parties and applicable law.
Useful next steps: Review the gold and diamond service overview, browse the shipment FAQs, or send a non-confidential shipping enquiry.