BORDERSTAR RESOURCE · CHECKED OCTOBER 11, 2026
Customs broker quote checklist
A useful broker comparison starts with the same shipment brief. Use this worksheet to make quotes comparable and separate included work from assumptions. It does not estimate market prices or choose a winner.
Prepare one shipment brief
Send the same details to every candidate. If you do not know an answer, mark it unknown and ask what they need to confirm it. Avoid putting confidential shipment documents into public contact forms.
Goods and intended use: ____________________
Origin, destination and proposed crossing: ____________________
Transport mode and planned arrival: ____________________
Shipment frequency and approximate value: ____________________
Current importer setup and onboarding needs: ____________________
Documents available and unanswered questions: ____________________
Compare the scope, line by line
| Ask each broker | What to record |
|---|---|
| Which services does this quote include? | Release, accounting, document review, advisory work and any separately priced tasks. |
| What triggers additional charges? | After-hours work, amendments, extra lines, examinations, disbursements and minimum charges, if applicable. |
| Which amounts are government charges? | Separate brokerage fees from duties, taxes and other third-party costs. Ask for the assumptions used. |
| Who owns each onboarding task? | Your named contact, the broker's contact, requested permissions and completion dates. |
| How are shipment exceptions handled? | Escalation contact, coverage hours, response expectations and required documents. |
| How can we change providers later? | Notice terms, access changes, records, unresolved shipments and outstanding balances. |
Copy a consistent quote request
Replace the blanks and copy the request into your own email. This page does not transmit or save your draft.
Decide with evidence
Record each answer alongside the written quote. A low base fee may exclude work another quote includes. Ask candidates to resolve missing answers before comparing totals. Do not treat a broker's name, location or marketing claim as evidence of product expertise.
Confirm the business in the CBSA licensed-broker list, then ask about your specific shipment. Our searchable selected broker directory is a starting point, not a complete market survey.
About this resource
Published by Harbour & Main, the owner of BorderStar. BorderStar is an official-source monitoring product for customs professionals. It is not CBSA, a customs brokerage, or a government service. Listed businesses are not presented as partners or endorsements. No placement was purchased.
Source: CBSA licensed customs broker list, retrieved October 11, 2026. Recheck the official list before appointing a broker. This resource is independent of CBSA.