The Importance of Shipping Documents

With so much of our attention often focused on the logistics, arrival times, and cost management related to shipping, we often forget about the importance of shipping documents. Unfortunately, the mismanagement of shipping documents is one of the most common causes for holdups and delays occurring throughout the process. If you are shipping across the border within North America it is even more crucial that your shipping documents are filled out accurately. No matter what type of shipping you are doing here are three things to consider when it comes to the proper documentation:

Are you shipping across the border?

There are few things more stressful for business owners than having a shipment tied up at the border due to improper documentation. With that said, one of the most important aspects to take into consideration with regards to shipping documents is whether your shipping is domestic or cross-border. Shipping across the border within North America is a much more complex process than shipping domestically within Canada. Cross-border shipping in North America demands precise, detailed custom’s documentation which depending on your shipment specifications, may include a Commercial Invoice, Export Declaration, Certificate of Origin, Toxic Substances Control Act Form or U.S. FCC Form 740. If you have any questions about the exact documents needed for your cross border shipments, we recommend calling us at 604-881-4440. We have over 15 years of cross-border shipping and logistics experience and we are happy to help answer all of your questions.

What is a bill of lading and what is its purpose?

Is your shipment insured?

Purchasing insurance for your shipping and logistics needs will help greatly reduce the risk of misplacement, damage, or loss of goods. It is important to purchase shipping insurance for both domestic and cross-border shipping. Understandably, the purchase of shipping insurance will also require additional documentation. It is important to properly file any shipping insurance documents away in your records for quick retrieval when necessary.

Find out what FOB means in shipping.

What are you shipping?

Different documentation is required for different types of shipments. For example, if you are shipping dangerous goods, chemical goods, water samples, or perishable items you will likely need to fill out additional documentation specific to these goods. These documents are particularly important when shipping cross-border within North America. An example of this is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which uses the Toxic Substances Control Act to monitor and control the importing and exporting of potentially hazardous materials.

Learn more about freight forwarding.

If you have any further questions about the importance of shipping documents and when or how they are used, please contact the shipping logistics experts at C&D Logistics. We have over 15 years of freight service and shipping equipment experience and we are happy to answer all of your questions. Please contact us through our website, or give us a call at 604-881-4440. For a free shipping or freight quote, fill out one of our online forms here.