Knowlegde for International Shipping:


• To successfully export, you should have a basic understanding of how each of the following shipping documents is completed, why it is needed, and how it is used. However, it is not necessary that you become an "export documentation expert". That is why you hire a forwarder who can process most documents at a reasonable cost.

Shipper's Letters of Instruction:


• To successfully export, you should have a basic understanding of how each of the following shipping documents is completed, why it is needed, and how it is used. However, it is not necessary that you become an "export documentation expert". That is why you hire a forwarder who can process most documents at a reasonable cost.
• With the exception of documents that you must sign and provide as the exporter, ask your forwarder to complete as many forms as they can on your behalf. You have more profitable things to do with your time than spend long hours filling out international shipping forms.

Purpose and Use of a Shipper's Letter of Instruction:


• The Shipper's Letter of Instructions is prepared by you. You send it to your forwarder and retain a copy for your records.
• The Shipper's Letter of Instructions is your written statement telling your forwarder how you want the shipment to be handled. You are granting permission to your forwarder to act as your authorized forwarding agent for U. S. export control and customs purposes.
• The Shipper's Letter of Instruction is designed to avoid misunderstandings that can result in financial loss to you as the exporter - or to your freight forwarder. It is important that this document be absolutely accurate - especially when you consider the litigious society in which we live today.

Commercial Invoices:


• The Commercial Invoice is prepared by you. If the words "Proforma Invoice" are typed in the upper right corner, it can be used by the importer to apply for an import license, letter of credit or other form of payment at the importer's bank.
• The commercial invoice acts as a bill of sale from you to the buyer and specifies goods, quantities shipped, prices and terms of sale. It can be used by foreign governments to determine the value of goods for assessment of local customs duties and taxes, and to control the importation of prohibited goods into the local economy.
• A commercial invoice can also serve as a "legalized invoice" for certain countries when stamped by an authorized government official of the importing country.

Packing Lists:


• An export packing list is far more detailed than a domestic one. It is a statement used for export shipments of more than one packaging unit, indicating the items packed in each container, type of container, weights and measurements (in both U. S. and metric terms), total number of containers, and the markings on each container for identification and distribution at the foreign port of import. Pricing information is not required.
• An export packing list should be securely attached to the outside of each container in a waterproof packet or envelope clearly marked "Packing List Enclosed." It is used by the shipper and forwarding agent to determine the total weight and volume of the shipment, and whether the correct cargo as indicated is being shipped.