SI

An SI (shipping instruction) is the document the shipper or forwarder sends the ocean carrier, after booking, giving the exact data the carrier must print on the bill of lading: the shipper, consignee, and notify party, the goods description, marks and numbers, package count, weight, and the BL type and number of originals. The carrier draws the draft bill of lading from the SI, so any error cascades into BL corrections and amendment fees. Carriers set an SI cut-off, stated on the booking confirmation, ahead of vessel departure; the verified gross mass is often submitted alongside the SI to meet SOLAS Chapter VI requirements.