Ocean Freight Documentation Flashcards

What is an 'Arrival Notice' in ocean freight?

Answer: A notification sent by the carrier to the consignee when cargo arrives at destination

An Arrival Notice is sent by the carrier or its agent to the notify party/consignee to inform them that the shipment has arrived and provide instructions for cargo pickup.

What is a 'Certificate of Origin' used for in international shipping?

Answer: To certify the country where goods were manufactured or produced

A Certificate of Origin certifies the country of manufacture and is used by customs authorities to determine applicable duties, tariffs, and trade agreement eligibility.

What does 'Notify Party' mean on a Bill of Lading?

Answer: The party to be contacted when the shipment arrives at destination

The Notify Party is the entity the carrier alerts upon vessel arrival at destination, typically the consignee, customs broker, or freight forwarder.

Which US government agency requires an ISF (Importer Security Filing) for ocean imports?

Answer: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP requires the ISF (also called '10+2') to be filed at least 24 hours before a vessel departs a foreign port bound for the US, to enhance cargo security screening.

What is a 'Sea Waybill' and how does it differ from a Bill of Lading?

Answer: A non-negotiable transport document that does not require physical presentation for cargo release

A Sea Waybill is a non-negotiable document that speeds up cargo release at destination since the consignee only needs to identify themselves — no original document surrender is required.

What information is NOT typically found on a commercial invoice for an ocean freight shipment?

Answer: The vessel name and voyage number

The commercial invoice contains trade terms, pricing, and goods description — vessel name and voyage number are shipping details found on the B/L or booking confirmation, not the invoice.