Following is a list of the common export documents and their definitions. A receipt for the cargo and a contract for transportation between a shipper and the ocean carrier. It may also be used as an instrument of ownership which can be bought, sold, or traded while the goods are in transit. It summarizes all cargo aboard the vessel by port of loading and discharge. It should contain information such as marks, numbers, steamship line, etc., to match with a dock receipt.
Some countries nominate a firm to inspect for quality, quantity, and pricing.
A dock receipt is used to transfer accountability for the cargo between domestic and international carriers at the ocean terminal. This document is prepared by the shipper or forwarder, and is signed by the ocean carrier and returned to the delivering inland carrier to acknowledge receipt of the cargo. Delivery Instructions Delivery Instructions provide specific information to the inland carrier concerning the arrangement made by the forwarder to deliver the merchandise to the particular pier or steamship line. This has to do with the export of cargo and should not be confused with a Delivery Order which is used for import cargo. Export Declaration Required by the United States Department of Commerce to control exports and act as a source document for export statistics, an Export Declaration includes complete particulars on the shipment.