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Shipping documents in international cargo transportation from the USA

When managing international freight logistics from the U.S., your export paperwork is generally categorized into two distinct groups:

• Incoming documents

• Outgoing documents

INCOMING DOCUMENTS for shipping goods overseas are records provided by your logistics service provider, such as a U.S. Freight Forwarder, NVOCC, or VOCC, to the exporter. These maritime documents are vital for initiating, tracking, and verifying your global shipment. Typically, this set includes:

• Sea freight price quotes and booking confirmations,

• Shipping instructions and domestic inland carriage paperwork,

• Warehouse receipts from the ocean carrier,

• Invoices for international transport costs,

• Ocean bill of lading and Arrival notice,

• Import release paperwork is required at the destination port.

OUTGOING DOCUMENTS for exporting products from the USA include the essential customs forms and records that shippers must submit to various authorities during ocean transit.

• Commercial invoices or a detailed valued packing list,

• Exporter identification for AES/SED filing (U.S. shipper's export declaration),

• Commodity-specific permits for specialized cargo,

• Release authorizations required by foreign customs agencies,

• Dangerous Goods Declarations for hazardous materials,

• The destination country’s port authorities mandate legal records.

If you are coordinating global trade from the United States, please note that the shipper or consignee is legally responsible for providing accurate "incoming documents."

The ocean bill of lading for international shipments usually carries the endorsement "SHIPPER'S LOAD AND COUNT." This clause signifies that the exporter is solely liable for the accuracy of the cargo manifest and shipment details.

Failure to submit required export documentation on time can result in port delays, demurrage charges, financial penalties, or customs seizures.

International shipping documents with AMID Logistics

With AMID Logistics, you can manage and submit your shipping paperwork online. For those exporting standard commodities from the United States, we streamline the process. Usually, a minimum amount of LCL shipping documentation is required to begin:

• Freight rate quote and shipping instructions,

• AES ITN for shipments valued over $2,500 USD (U.S. Shipper's Export Declaration),

• Dock Receipts or U.S. domestic bill of lading,

• Detailed Commercial Invoice or a Valued Packing List,

• Cargo Insurance Certificate (if opted),

• Final Ocean Freight Bill of Lading.

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS IN SHIPPING GOODS FROM THE USA

A. International Sea Freight Bill of Lading: This serves as the official document of title for goods transported from the USA.

B. Commercial Invoice or Valued Packing List: This provides a comprehensive description of the goods for customs valuation.

ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK DEPENDING ON THE COMMODITY AND THE COUNTRY OF DESTINATION

C. Supplemental Packing List: Complements the invoice by specifying piece counts, weights, and packaging types.

D. Wood-packing Certificate: Essential proof of ISPM 15 compliance for treated timber.

E. Fumigation Certificate: Verified proof of pest control treatment, frequently required for shipping to Australia and New Zealand.

F. Specialized Export Requirements: Depending on the goods and destination, you may need: Certificates of Origin, NAFTA/USMCA forms, Consular legalization, FDA/USDA declarations, or Anti-Dumping certificates.

• Visa,
• Quota,
• Visa/Quota,
• Certificate of Origin,
• North American Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin,
• Packing Declaration,
• Dangerous Goods Declaration,
• Fish and Wildlife Declaration,
• Consular Legalized paperwork,
• F.D.A.,
• U.S.D.A.,
• Anti-Dumping, etc.