International Freight Documentation (4): Transportation and Journey Documentation

This collection of documents concerns the transportation element of the goods’ journey. The following documents are required:

• Carnet
  This is usually international transportation, particularly in overland European shipping. A carnet is issued when a container is sealed at origin for opening only on arrival at its declared final destination.
• Certificate of Origin
  This is required when preferential tariff treatment exist between countries. The certificate proves the country of origin. The inclusion of the certificate is intended to prevent shippers receiving favourable import duties by falsely declaring the country of the goods’ origin.
• Bill of Lading
  An export bill of lading (B/L) covers the whole journey of a shipment. Bills that combine sea, air, and land are commonplace.
• Certificate of Insurance
  This is proof that the buyer or seller has ensured goods for losses during transit. This may be a requirement of sale.
• Dock Receipt
  The agents acting for the shipper issue dock receipts that indicate that the domestic carrier has delivered the shipment to the deep sea carrier. The dock receipt shows compliance with the conditions of the payment requirements stipulated on the letter of credit. The dock receipt also supports claims for damages.
• Airway Bill
  The universal airway bill is a standardised document that air carriers attached to goods are transported by international air shipment stop bill is a single document that reduces carrier processing costs and facilitates speedy processing through customs.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration
  This describes the goods’ requirements regarding packaging, unit load size, special labelling, and segregation from other goods. Any dangerous materials, such as explosive or corrosive substances, are declared on this form as dangerous goods so that carrier’s handlers are alerted to any danger to person, cargo, or aircraft, and can confirm that they have the facilities available for safe carriage. If necessary, handlers will refer to company documentation and to any relevant official regulations concerning handling.