Know your Shipping documents that are required for transporting your cargo

Do you get confused when you see terms such as Bill of Lading, Arrival Notice or Letter of Credit? We will explain the important shipping documents you might need to consider when shipping your freight.

While most of these documents are mandatory, some of them depend on the type of cargo you are shipping as well as the location you are shipping from and to. So, it is important to know which documents are required for your shipment before you start shipping. When you buy certain shipment services from us, we make sure to ask you for the documents you need. That way shipping becomes easier for you!

The most important shipping documents

Commercial Invoice: The Commercial Invoice is one of the most important documents when shipping your ocean freight. It is the invoice that is issued by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer). It is required in the customs clearance process.

Packing List: The Packing List is another important shipping document when transporting ocean freight internationally. It is a detailed overview of the cargo mentioned on the Commercial Invoice above. It also includes information on how the shipment has been packed and which marks and numbers are noted outside of the shipment boxes.

Export/Import Customs Declaration: An Export or Import Customs Declaration lists details of the goods which are imported or exported. This declaration is especially important when shipping international freight. Describing it in legal terms, with a Customs Declaration a person shows the wish to place goods under a given customs procedure. The Declaration is used for customs clearance and to calculate the duties or taxes applicable to the cargo. It is prepared by a customs broker using the invoice and packing list. At Twill we are here to help you with customs clearance – find out more.

Bill of Lading & Sea Waybill: The Bill of Lading is a detailed document which you will receive from us. It is the transportation contract and important details on the shipment are included in it. It is another relevant part of the ocean freight and proof that the carrier has received the goods from the shipper in good condition. The party holding this document is also the party controlling the cargo.

A Sea Waybill is also a transport contract. However, the Sea Waybill is not needed for cargo delivery and will only be handed out as a cargo receipt. Moreover, a Sea Waybill is not negotiable and cannot be assigned to any third party.

Certificates (production, vessel, phytosanitary)

As a part of important shipping documents and depending on the type of your cargo, you might be asked for one of the following certificates:

Production Certificate: This Certificate relates to the material or types of production using sustainable resources or approved methods (e.g. sustainable wood sources). It is required to be allowed to ship cargo in or out of regions where regulations related to the production may apply.

Vessel Certificate: The main purpose of a Vessel Certificate is to verify the ownership of a vessel. It also provides certain details such as the age and maintenance of the vessel. The certificate is usually requested as part of requirements for the Letter of Credit.

Phytosanitary Certificate: The Phytosanitary Certificate is a document that certifies plant, as well as plant products, are free from regulated pests. It also notes that the cargo conforms with other phytosanitary requirements as specified by the importing country.

Air or Rail Waybill: Depending on your mode of transport, you will get an Air or Rail Waybill. The Air Waybill (AWB) is a non-negotiable document that is issued by an air carrier as an acknowledgement of the possession of a shipment. The AWB is also a type of bill of lading. However, it is issued in a non-negotiable form, so there is less protection with an AWB in comparison to the bill of lading. The AWB also serves as a receipt for the consignor (the shipper). This document shows the shipment’s destination address as well as contact information for the consignor and consignee (the receiver).

In comparison, the Rail Waybill is a document used for shipments via a railway. This document is prepared by the shipping agent or railway line, after receiving the instructions from the shipper.

Arrival Notice: Another important document when shipping is the Arrival Notice or Notice of Arrival.  This document informs that the cargo is arriving at the destination. It includes relevant details such as the commodity description, sailing details, destination country related to customs charges and the contact details of the ocean freight carrier. It is issued by the ocean freight carrier’s destination agent to the consignee and to parties that might be needed to notify as mentioned on the Bill of Lading.

Certificate of Origin:    The Certificate of Origin is the document that declares in which country a good or commodity was manufactured. It is needed on a regular basis. This document contains information about the product, its destination as well as the country of export. It is an important form as it helps to determine if goods are eligible for import if they are subject to duties.

Importer Security Filing (local customs requirements)    : Your shipment might need to require an Importer Security Filing (ISF). This document is a US customs and border protection regulation that only counts for ocean cargo imports. Prior to the shipping order, importers should send the required data for this documentation to their US customs broker, as it is required to be filed with US customs and border protection 24 hours prior to sailing from last origin port. Required data are among other the seller’s and buyer’s name as well as address, the importer of record, the ultimate consignee, manufacturer’s name and address as well as the country of origin.

Letter of Credit    :    A Letter of Credit is a primary means of payment in an international trade transaction. It is by default irrevocable. This document is a promise by a bank on behalf of the buyer (the importer) to the seller (the exporter) with a specified sum in an agreed currency. Moreover, it requires that the seller submits the needed documents at a predetermined deadline. Additionally, it includes information such as the description as well as the quantity of goods, technical description and documentary requirements.