Planning to ship goods from the USA overseas? Start by selecting your destination above—you’ll get a quick quote using our online freight calculator and see your estimated international shipping cost in just a few clicks.

Dock Receipt & Instructions for Shipping Goods from the USA via LCL

When you book an LCL (Less than Container Load) shipment, you'll receive a set of documents and instructions to ensure smooth delivery. Two of the most important documents are the dock receipt and the shipping instructions. Both are essential for preparing your load for international transportation.

Booking Timeline and Process

To properly schedule your international shipment, we need at least one business day. That’s why we recommend booking and paying your deposit three to seven business days before your planned ship date. Once you complete your booking through our online freight calculator and submit the deposit, we’ll begin processing everything for you.

Your personalized instructions will arrive by email and may vary depending on the type of service you chose. But no matter what, they’ll include everything you need to deliver your cargo properly and avoid delays.

Key Numbers: Booking & Reference

The booking number from the ocean freight carrier is required for all international shipments from the U.S. It uniquely identifies your shipment for tracking and customs clearance purposes.

We’ll also assign a customer reference number (formatted like `US200124BL`). This number helps us quickly locate your file in emails and phone calls with our team or your international shipping company.

Dock Receipt & Labels

Your dock receipt will include:

• The vessel name and voyage number
• Estimated departure time (ETD) and arrival time (ETA)
• Cargo delivery deadline (cutoff date)
• The address of the Container Freight Station (CFS)
• The CFS contact number

You’ll also receive a web link to print labels for your boxes or crates. If you don’t have a commercial invoice, we provide a link to submit a valued packing list instead—this is required for Customs.

Dropping Off at a Freight Terminal (CFS)

If you’re delivering yourself to the ocean freight terminal, simply access the dock receipt through the link we provide and print two copies.

Your dock receipt serves as your “ticket” for international shipping from the U.S. Bring your packed and labeled cargo to the CFS, along with the two printed copies. The dock receipt includes the address and phone number of the freight terminal in case you need help on arrival.

Using a Domestic LTL Carrier (Line Haul)

If your load is first going to a domestic U.S. freight terminal for line haul to the CFS, you’ll receive a PDF of the U.S. domestic LTL bill of lading. Please print at least two copies and drop off the load at the terminal.

The LTL bill of lading functions similarly to your dock receipt: give one to the terminal and retain a signed copy for your records. The address and phone number for the LTL terminal will be listed in your instructions.

If You Requested Pickup

If you’ve asked us to arrange pickup, we’ll confirm the date in advance and send the LTL carrier’s bill of lading as a PDF. Print two copies and have them ready when the truck arrives. The dispatcher’s phone number is also included in the email.

On pickup day:

• Give your cargo and one copy of the bill of lading to the driver
• Keep the second copy signed as proof of pickup
• It’s smart to call the dispatcher the day before to confirm timing

This ensures there are no misunderstandings and your shipment stays on schedule.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Once you receive our instructions, you’re welcome to reply to the email or contact us by phone. Our team is here to guide you through the process, whether you ship goods from the U.S. for the first time or are a frequent shipper seeking affordable international shipping backed by an experienced international shipping company.