Shipping cargo overseas isn’t limited to just finding a carrier that does the job for you. It involves a lot of planning and accumulation of several forms that will be required at the different stages of the shipping process. Here are some of the most commonly used forms required for shipping the cargo overseas.

#1 Bill of Lading – It is a document that is issued by the carrier to the shipper acknowledging that the specified goods have been received on board as cargo for delivery to the point of delivery specified. It also lists the different modes of transport that will be used during shipping and in general serves as the contract between the carrier and the shipper.

#2 Bill of Export – It is the main document required by the customs department to allow shipment. It is issued by the shipping agent and represents some kind of certificates for all concerned parties. It also serves as a statistical record.

#3 Certified invoice – It is required when the exporter needs to certify on the invoice that the goods are of a particular origin or manufactured at a particular place and in accordance with the specified contract.

#4 Power of Attorney – Document used to provide your agent the right to act for you to accomplish the task of shipping your goods. This is a special power of attorney and is different from the general one in the sense that it is not as powerful as the general.

#5 Inventory/Packing list – It is a detailed list of the goods contained in each parcel/shipment. It is very important as it is your go to list for any and all referrals.

#6 Certificate of Inspection – It is a document that certifies that the shipped goods were in a good condition immediately prior to shipping. It is an inspection report and is required by importers in some countries.

#7 Certificate of Shipment – It is a document that is made available after the goods have been shipped signifying that a certain lot of goods has been shipped.

#8 Shipping Order – Issued by the shipping line which intimates the exporter about the reservation of space of shipment of cargo through the specific vessel from a specified port on a specified date.

#9 Manufacturer’s Certificate – It is required in addition to the Certificate of Origin to show where the goods shipped have been manufactured and when.

#10 Short Shipment Form – It is an application to the customs authorities at port, which advises short shipment of goods and is required for claiming the return.