Dry bulk freight RFQ benchmarking
A broker quote is only useful if you know what market level you are comparing against. Pre-fixture benchmarking puts that reference next to each offer before award — not in a post-voyage spreadsheet.
Common anchors
Baltic indices
BDI and capesize/panamax/supramax sub-indices for coarse market level on spot work.
Route assessments
Corridor-specific references (coal, ore, grain lanes) when the trade has a published route benchmark.
Why pre-fixture spread matters
- Negotiation leverage — challenge outliers before fixture.
- Award evidence — show index context when finance questions freight cost.
- Timing calls — decide whether to fix now or wait without guessing from inbox noise.
Coal & freight benchmarks · Using BDI as a desk tool
Benchmark your next dry bulk RFQ
Bring one recent broker panel RFQ. We compare offers to a route or index reference and show the spread.
FAQ
What is dry bulk freight RFQ benchmarking?
It is comparing incoming broker quotes to independent market references — Baltic route assessments, sub-indices, or published voyage benchmarks — before you award the fixture, not after the voyage closes.
How does the Baltic Dry Index fit pre-fixture work?
BDI and size-class sub-indices give a coarse market level. Desks pair them with route-specific assessments (e.g. coal or ore corridors) to judge whether a spot quote sits inside a defensible band.
What does a benchmark-aware workflow look like?
Publish the RFQ, collect sealed offers in one table, show index or route reference beside each quote, document spread and award rationale — all before charter party execution.