Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)
A document provided by an exporter to a freight forwarder or carrier that authorizes and instructs them on how to handle an international shipment. The SLI contains detailed shipping instructions including the consignee, routing, insurance requirements, customs documentation, and any special handling needs. It serves as the freight forwarder's authorization to act on behalf of the shipper for export compliance and documentation purposes.
Detailed Explanation
A document provided by an exporter to a freight forwarder or carrier that authorizes and instructs them on how to handle an international shipment. The SLI contains detailed shipping instructions including the consignee, routing, insurance requirements, customs documentation, and any special handling needs. It serves as the freight forwarder's authorization to act on behalf of the shipper for export compliance and documentation purposes.
Example
A US exporter provides a Shipper's Letter of Instruction to their freight forwarder, authorizing them to file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) with US Customs, book ocean freight to Rotterdam, and arrange inland trucking in the Netherlands.
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