Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR)

Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) is a written document signed by both parties (usually the carrier/terminal and the cargo owner/trucking company) when equipment such as containers or chassis are interchanged in container transportation. It records in detail the condition of the equipment, container number, seal number, time and place of interchange, and the responsibilities of both parties. It is a key basis for allocating liability for equipment damage or loss. Usage scenarios include: export container pickup, import container return, interchange between terminal and trucking company, etc. Precautions: Carefully inspect the container condition and take photos as evidence during interchange; if any abnormality is found, it should be noted on the EIR, otherwise it will be difficult to pursue liability later; EIR usually has multiple copies, each party retains one. Difference from other terms: EIR is different from Bill of Lading (B/L), which is a transport contract and document of title; it is also different from Packing List, which records cargo details. EIR only concerns the equipment itself, not the cargo contents.