The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website has many electronic and printable forms available.
Shipping, either overseas or within the United States, requires proper documentation to ensure public safety and to regulate the legal transportation of goods across boundaries. However, shipping requirements may vary across states, across borders, and within the policies of companies themselves. You can create basic shipping logs for transportation by ship, train, car or by air. Adhering to such basic logs will help business owners or transporters maintain proper documentation of their goods.
Instructions
For Ship, Ferry, Train, Car or other Vehicle
1. In a word processing program, request the name or number and a description of the items being shipped. Request the name of the master or the person in charge. Leave adequate space on a separate for this information.
2. Request the name and address of the owner, the foreign port of lading, and the U.S. port of destination, if applicable. If the shipping ports are in the United States or its territories, simply list the port of origin and the port of destination. Leave adequate space on a separate line for all of this information.
3. Request the port of arrival and the date of arrival. Leave adequate space on a separate line for this information.
4. Create five columns. Request the bill of lading or the name and address of the consignee in column one. Request the car number and initials in column two. Request the number, gross weight, and description of goods in column three. Request the name of consignee in column four. Leave column five blank for additional information or certifications.
5. Request the carrier to certify the name and address of the owner or consignee of the goods. Allow space for the carrier's signature and the date.
6. Request the master or person in charge to validate that the shipping log is correct. Allow space for the master's signature and the date.
7. Arrange validated shipping logs chronologically in a three-ring binder for records purposes. Keep blank shipping logs for future transactions.
For Airplane
8. In a word processing program, request owner or operator, marks of nationality and registration, and flight number. Leave adequate space on a separate line for these questions to be answered fully.
9. Request port of lading, port of unlading, and date. Leave adequate space on a separate line for these questions to be answered fully.
10. Request consolidator and de-consolidator. Leave adequate space on a separate line for these questions to be answered fully.
11. Create eight columns. Request air waybill type in column one. Request air waybill number in column two. Request the number of pieces in column three. Request the weight of goods in column four. Request the number of House Airway Bills in column five. Request the shipper name and address in column six. Request consignee name and address in column seven. Request the nature of the goods in column eight.
12. Arrange validated shipping logs chronologically in a three-ring binder for records purposes. Keep blank shipping logs for future transactions.
