International Shipping Documents, issued by the carrier, verify that the goods have been shipped for the transportation and delivery. Under symbolic delivery, shipping documents are necessary for the settlement of payment. Generally, different modes of transportation have different shipping documents. Railway bill and railway cargo receipt are issued under railway transportation. Airway bill are issued under air transportation. Even in post, parcel receipt is issued by post office. Here we focus on some commonly used terms in import export transportation. Shipping Documents
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. Usually prepared by the authorized agent on forms issued by the carrier, it serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods. This Is Bill of Lading. It is a formal contract of carriage between the consignor and carrier. The key elements contained in a B/L should include:
Shipping Note
A Shipping Note gives information about a particular export consignment when offered for shipment. It serves the shipping company as a delivery or receipt note for particular consignment. Some people also call it Mate's Receipt. Its role in various ports and trades may differ worldwide. However, the cargo description in a Shipping Note should conform to that found on the commercial invoice - International Shipping Document
Packing List
A Packing List provides a list of the contents of a consignment. It is completed by the shipper. Its prime purpose is to give an inventory of the shipped goods. A Packing List is especially useful for the consignments which are composite. It is usually required by the Customs for clearance purposes - International Shipping Document
Airway Bill
The shipping document used for the transportation of air freight, which includes conditions, limitations of liability, shipping instructions, description of commodity, and applicable transportation charges. It is generally similar to a straight non-negotiable bill of lading and is used for similar purposes. This Is Airway Bill. An Airway Bill should basically have the following key elements: