Booking Note

A Booking Note is a written document through which the cargo owner or their agent applies to the carrier (shipping line or freight forwarder) for space in foreign trade transportation, and it also serves as the carrier's confirmation of accepting the booking. Usage scenario: After preparing the goods and before loading, the exporter submits a booking note to the shipping line or freight forwarder according to the contract or letter of credit, specifying information such as shipper, consignee, notify party, port of loading, port of discharge, commodity name, quantity, weight, volume, container type, and estimated shipping date. Precautions: The booking note must be consistent with the customs declaration and bill of lading information to avoid failure to load or amendment fees due to discrepancies in commodity name or quantity; it must be submitted before the cutoff time, otherwise the container may be rolled; if canceled after confirmation, dead freight may be charged. Difference from 'Shipping Order (S/O)': A booking note is for applying for space, while a shipping order confirms cargo details after loading; difference from 'Bill of Lading (B/L)': A booking note is not a document of title and is only used for booking and stowage. It is also different from a 'Shipping Order (S/O)', which is a document instructing loading issued by the shipping line after customs release.