A Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is a very important legal document and contract created between the shipper and the freight company that is organizing the export and logistics of your shipment. It is a document used in International Trade which gives your freight company all specific instructions relating to the export of your goods. The freight company will use this information contained in the SLI to correctly arrange the transportation of your shipment and provide ports, customs and shipping lines with all relevant information. A forwarding instruction is a similar document that will directly give the shipping line the details of the export shipment.
An example of a Universal Shipper's Letter of Instruction:
The SLI will contain information as below:
Shipper's Details (Exporter)
Consignee Details (Importer)
Notify Party (if Required)
Shipper’s Reference Number
Shipment Type
IncoTerm
Port of Loading / Port of Discharge
Vessel Name, Voyage Number
Container Number
Seal Number
ISPM Packing details
Country and State of Origin (product)
Value and currency of goods sold
Hazardous Cargo – if Yes, UN#, Class, Packing Group + relevant DG documentation
Letter of Credit details (if applicable)
Shipping Marks
Documentation Instructions
All product packaging details, Total Number of Packages, sizes, weight
Commodity / Nature of Goods
Special Instructions
Signed Declaration – Name, Signature, Date