The Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is a formal document that includes an exporter’s instructions for the freight forwarder, aimed at preventing any misunderstandings between the exporter and the forwarder.
A freight forwarder is the primary utilizer of the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI). The SLI, an essential export document in the U.S., is generally completed by the exporter and then given to their freight forwarder. The SLI is crucial for both ocean and sli air shipping, ensuring that all vital instructions are provided for the shipment.
To standardize the data required for regulatory and transportation compliance, the National Customs Broker and Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) launched a model Shipping Letter of Instruction (SLI) in 2014. While not compulsory, this format seeks to ensure consistency in the information provided by exporters to forwarders. Fields like those in the SLI are required to authorize forwarders to transmit Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Automated Export System (AES) on behalf of the shipper.
The traditional Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is sent by exporters to convey transportation instructions to their freight forwarders. Here’s a typical format:
Understanding the SLI meaning in shipping helps ensure accurate and comprehensive shipment documentation.
An exporter fills out the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) once a logistics partner has been selected. The Shipping SLI should include the following:
Once exporters fill the SLI correctly, they ensure a trouble free and efficient transportation process.
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