Booking Confirmation

Booking Confirmation is a formal notice issued by an international freight forwarder or shipping company to the shipper, indicating that the booking request has been accepted and specifying key details such as vessel name, voyage number, container number, and cut-off time. This term is commonly used in ocean export procedures and serves as an important basis for the shipper to arrange loading, customs declaration, and subsequent bill of lading confirmation. Usage scenarios include: after the shipper submits a booking request to the forwarder or shipping company, goods can only be received at the port upon this confirmation. Notes: Booking Confirmation is not a Bill of Lading; it only represents the establishment of the transport contract. If the goods are not loaded on time, dead freight may be incurred. Carefully verify vessel schedule, port, container type, etc.; if errors are found, request corrections immediately. It differs from 'Booking Request,' which is the shipper's application, while Booking Confirmation is the carrier's acceptance reply. It also differs from 'Shipping Advice,' which is sent after loading. Foreign trade practitioners should keep Booking Confirmations properly for subsequent reconciliation and dispute resolution.