Transport documents

BILL OF LADING This is the key transport document that identifies the consignor, the consignee, the carrier, the mode of transport and other facts about the shipment. See the following pages for detailed information about bills of lading.
PACKING LIST ( or BILL OF PARCELS ) This form identifies the consignor and consignee, the number of packages in the shipment, package and container contents, weights, dimensions, marks and numbers. It does not contain prices. Even when not required, a packing list is a good idea. It enables the consignee to check that the correct number of units have been received.
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS This form or letter is issued by the consignor and gives specific instructions to the shipping company regarding a shipment. The bill of lading is drawn up from this information. Many shipping lines have pre-printed forms or computerized entry systems for this information. Consignors who provide their own bill of lading must attach a copy of any
shipping instructions.
FORWARDER’S INSTRUCTIONS this form, issued by the consignor, gives specific and formal instructions to the freight forwarder regarding the booking of a shipment and information for completing transport documents. Most freight forwarders and logistics firms have their own printed form but the necessary information may also be presented on the consignor‘s letterhead.
STOWAGE INSTRUCTIONS These are specific instructions given by the consignor in a letter or on a shipping line or freight forwarder‘s pre-printed form regarding how or where a shipment should be stowed during transport. For example, a shipper may require that the shipment be placed below deck and amidships for greater protection from the elements and movement of the
ship.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/DANGEROUS GOODS INSTRUCTIONS A hazardous material is a substance or product that is capable of posing a risk to health, safety or property when transported in commerce. The same material is classified as a dangerous good when
transported by air. Hazards are classified as ―Other Regulated Materials‖ (ORM-A through ORM-E) and include irritating, corrosive, caustic, flammable, radioactive and other life or health threatening materials. Special handling instructions must be provided and containers must be properly emblazoned with international warning labels/stickers.
DOCK RECEIPT This is a receipt issued by a port officer or warehouse supervisor certifying that a shipment of goods has been received from the domestic carrier or consignor and that accountability for the goods has transferred to the named transport company.
MATE’S RECEIPT This is a document issued by the captain or mate of a vessel as a receipt for goods shipped. If the captain or mate sees a discrepancy in the number of units received or damage to a package, it will be noted on the receipt (which is then said to be a ―claused‖ or ―unclean‖ receipt). This information is then included in or attached to the bill of lading, which then also becomes claused or unclean. A signed copy of the mate‘s receipt is given to the consignor in exchange for the original bill of lading.
CAPTAIN’S (OR MASTER’S) PROTEST This is prepared by a ship‘s captain (or master) and details unusual conditions encountered during a voyage (i.e., ―Acts of God,‖ catastrophic natural events, piracy, mutiny, collisions, etc.) that might affect the vessel‘s cargo. This is a means of relieving the ship owner of liability for loss or damage, thus directing the cargo owner to look to its insurance company for reimbursement.