Air Filter RFQ Checklist: OE Number, Photos, Dimensions and Quantity
A practical air filter RFQ checklist for truck parts distributors and equipment filter buyers: OE number, cross reference, photos, dimensions and quantity.
Published 2026-08-17
Opening Answer
Quick Answer: For an air filter RFQ, buyers should send the OE number, current filter number, cross reference number, clear old filter photos, key dimensions, filter type, application information, quantity, destination market and packaging requirements. This information helps the supplier confirm the replacement direction before quotation and reduces the risk of ordering the wrong air filter.
Many B2B air filter inquiries arrive with only one number or one unclear photo. That is enough to start a search, but it is not always enough for a reliable quotation. In heavy duty truck, construction machinery and industrial equipment sourcing, the same filter family may have several aftermarket references, and two similar-looking filters can have different height, seal structure or inner diameter.
This guide is written for filter distributors, truck parts importers, construction machinery parts buyers and maintenance supply companies who need a practical RFQ checklist.
What Buyers Should Send First
| Information | Why It Matters | Buyer Note |
|---|---|---|
| OE number | Connects the inquiry to the original application reference. | Send the exact number from the parts book, label or old purchase record. |
| Current filter number | Helps identify the installed replacement brand or aftermarket equivalent. | Include MANN, Donaldson, Fleetguard, Sakura, Baldwin, HIFI or other references when available. |
| Old filter photos | Shows label, end cap, seal shape and construction. | Send label, side, top and bottom photos. |
| Dimensions | Confirms physical fit and reduces wrong-match risk. | Measure OD, ID and height where possible. |
| Application | Confirms whether the request is truck, equipment, engine or industrial use. | Send model information only when it is reliable. |
| Quantity and market | Affects quotation, packaging and freight planning. | Share trial order and regular demand separately. |
OE Number and Cross Reference Number
The OE number and the cross reference number are not the same thing. The OE number usually identifies the original equipment reference. A cross reference number may come from an aftermarket brand or a previous supplier catalogue. Both are useful, but neither should be treated as final proof by itself.
For example, a buyer may send a truck air filter number from an old filter label. The supplier can use it to check possible equivalents, but the final confirmation should still compare dimensions, filter type and photos. This is especially important when the inquiry involves air filter sets, safety filters or older equipment.
Photos That Make RFQ Faster
A good photo set can save several rounds of messages. The most useful photos are not beauty photos. They are identification photos.
- Label photo showing the old filter number clearly.
- Side photo showing the full filter shape.
- Top photo showing the opening, seal or closed end.
- Bottom photo showing the other end structure.
- Housing or installation photo when the filter is difficult to identify.
If the old filter label is damaged, send dimensions and several structure photos. A supplier can often narrow the direction, but final quotation is safer when at least two confirmation points match.
Dimensions to Include
For most round air filters, the useful measurements include outer diameter, inner diameter and height. For panel or cabin-style filters, length, width and thickness may be more useful. For air filter sets, buyers should measure both elements separately.
Do not estimate dimensions from a picture. Even a small difference in sealing diameter or total height can affect installation. If the buyer cannot measure accurately, sending a physical sample may be the better option.
Application Information
Application information is helpful, but it must be reliable. A broad phrase such as “for truck” or “for excavator” is not enough. If known, send the vehicle or equipment brand, model, engine information and year range. If not known, do not guess. It is better to say “application unknown, old filter photo attached” than to provide a wrong model.
JG Auto Filter uses this information to support replacement direction, not to claim original equipment supply. Buyers should confirm the final replacement by number, dimensions, photo or sample before bulk order.
RFQ Message Template
Buyers can use this simple format when contacting a supplier:
| OE / filter number | [send number] |
| Cross reference | [send aftermarket number if available] |
| Application | [truck / equipment / engine information if reliable] |
| Dimensions | [OD / ID / height or L / W / H] |
| Photos | [label, side, top, bottom] |
| Quantity | [trial order and regular demand] |
| Destination | [country / port] |
| Packaging | [neutral, brand box, bulk packing or custom request] |
Common Mistakes
- Sending only one number without photos or dimensions.
- Mixing OE numbers and aftermarket references as if they are the same type of number.
- Assuming a primary air filter and safety air filter are sold as one item.
- Sending a vehicle model that is guessed from memory.
- Forgetting packaging, quantity or destination requirements.
Buyer Checklist
- OE number or current filter number is included.
- Photos are clear enough to read the label and see both ends.
- Dimensions are measured from the old filter or reliable data.
- Application information is known or clearly marked as unknown.
- Quantity, destination and packaging requirements are included.
FAQ
Can I request a quotation with only an OE number?
Yes, but the quotation will be more reliable if you also send old filter photos, dimensions and application information when available.
What if I only have an old filter photo?
A photo can start the matching process. For safer confirmation, send the label photo, side photo, both end photos and any measurements you can take.
Should I send both primary and safety filter information?
Yes. If the air cleaner uses two elements, confirm whether you need the primary element, the safety element or both as a set.
Why does the supplier ask for destination and quantity?
Quantity and destination affect packaging, carton planning, freight options and quotation terms.
CTA
Send your OE number, current filter number, photos, dimensions and quantity to JG Auto Filter for replacement direction and quotation support.
Related links: Heavy Duty Air Filter | Factory | Quality Control | Contact / RFQ
FAQ
Can I request a quotation with only an OE number?
Yes, but the quotation will be more reliable if you also send old filter photos, dimensions and application information when available.
What if I only have an old filter photo?
A photo can start the matching process. For safer confirmation, send the label photo, side photo, both end photos and any measurements you can take.
Should I send both primary and safety filter information?
Yes. If the air cleaner uses two elements, confirm whether you need the primary element, the safety element or both as a set.
Why does the supplier ask for destination and quantity?
Quantity and destination affect packaging, carton planning, freight options and quotation terms.
Need This Filter?
Send OE, current number, dimensions, photo, application and quantity.