Sailing Notice

Sailing Notice is a key document in foreign trade transportation. It refers to a written notice issued by the shipping company or freight forwarder to the shipper, consignee, or relevant parties after the goods have actually been loaded on board and the vessel has departed from the port, confirming that the vessel has sailed as scheduled. Its main usage scenarios include: the seller promptly forwards the Sailing Notice to the buyer after receiving it, so that the buyer can arrange insurance, payment, or cargo collection; in letter of credit transactions, the Sailing Notice is often one of the negotiation documents, proving that the goods have been shipped. Precautions: The Sailing Notice should include information such as the vessel name, voyage number, sailing date, estimated time of arrival, and bill of lading number, and must be consistent with the bill of lading. If the letter of credit requires 'notification within XX hours after sailing,' it must be sent strictly on time; otherwise, it may constitute a discrepancy. Difference from 'Shipping Advice': Shipping Advice is usually issued immediately after loading and focuses on informing shipping details; Sailing Notice emphasizes that the vessel has left the port and is slightly later in time, but the two are often used interchangeably. In contrast to 'Arrival Notice,' the latter is sent by the carrier to the consignee before the goods arrive at the port. Foreign trade practitioners need to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the Sailing Notice to avoid trade risks.