Guides to shipping and paperwork
Clear answers to the questions people ask about shipping documents, trade forms and legal paperwork, each linked to a free tool that fills the document.
What is a bill of lading?
What is a bill of lading? Learn its three functions, straight vs order BOLs, who fills it out, and key fields like consignee, PRO number, SCAC, NMFC and HM.
Read →Proforma invoice vs commercial invoice: what is the difference?
Proforma invoice meaning, how it differs from a commercial invoice and a quote, when customs accepts a proforma, and what to include on each document.
Read →What does FOB mean in shipping?
What does FOB mean in shipping? FOB under Incoterms 2020 vs US FOB origin and destination, plus how EXW, FCA, CIF, DAP, DDP and other terms split risk and cost.
Read →Shipping terms glossary: ARO, LTL, RMA, SLI and more
Plain-English shipping terms glossary: what ARO, LTL, RMA and SLI mean, plus PRO number, SCAC, NMFC, freight class, TEU, HS code and other freight jargon.
Read →USMCA certificate of origin: what it is and how to fill it out
Learn what a USMCA certificate of origin is, who can complete it, the nine required data elements, origin criteria A to D, blanket periods and common mistakes.
Read →How to fill out a power of attorney form
Step-by-step guide to filling out a power of attorney form: choosing the type, naming agents, granting powers, signing, witnesses, notarization and revoking.
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