Why Documents Matter
Before anyone sees your goods, they see your paperwork. Shipping lines, customs officers and buyers all rely on it. If documents are missing or don’t match, your goods can be held up and extra costs can follow.
Our team prepares and coordinates the documents your shipment needs, and checks that they all agree with each other before they are submitted.
Documents We Help With
- Commercial invoice
- Shows what was sold, to whom, and for how much. Customs use it to work out duties.
- Customs invoice
- An invoice in the format some customs authorities require for imported goods.
- Packing list
- Lists what is in each package, with weights and sizes.
- Bill of lading
- The contract for sea transport. It is also proof that the carrier received your goods, and is often needed to collect them.
- Waybill
- The transport document for air or other freight. It works as a receipt for your goods.
- Supplier statement
- A statement from the supplier about the goods, such as where they were made.
- Permits and certificates
- Such as a certificate of origin or an import permit — needed for some goods and countries.
Not every shipment needs every document. What you need depends on the goods and the countries involved. We will tell you what applies to yours. Permits and certificates are issued by the relevant authorities; we help you prepare and apply for them.
Common Mistakes We Help You Avoid
- Goods described differently on the invoice and the packing list
- Quantities or weights that don’t match the actual cargo
- Missing details, such as the receiver’s address or the value of the goods
- Vague descriptions like “general goods” or “spare parts”
What to Send Us
- Sender and receiver names and addresses
- A clear description of the goods
- Quantities, values and currency
- Number of packages, weights and sizes
- Origin and destination
- Any documents you already have, such as an invoice or permit
Documentation FAQs
What is a bill of lading?
It is the main document for sea shipments. It is the transport contract, a receipt showing the carrier has your goods, and usually the document you need to collect them at the destination.
Why do my documents have to match?
Customs and shipping lines compare your documents. If descriptions, quantities or values differ, they may hold your goods until the difference is explained.
What if there is a mistake in my documents?
Many mistakes can be fixed before submission. After submission, corrections can take time and cost money. That is why we check everything first.
Can I get help with documents only?
Yes. You can ask for documentation help on its own, or as part of a full shipping and clearing service.
