Your Bill of Lading Is Your Most Critical Shipping Document
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is more than just a receipt—it’s a legal contract, proof of ownership, and the key document required to release your goods at destination. Even minor errors can trigger expensive amendments, customs delays, or payment refusals.
The stakes are high:
- Letter of Credit shipments require the BOL to match LC terms exactly—down to the punctuation
- Freight charges billed incorrectly can delay cargo release
- Consignee details must be precise or goods can’t be delivered
- Amendments cost $100–$250+ per change, per carrier
Our service: We coordinate with your freight forwarder to ensure the BOL is issued correctly the first time.
The Cost of BOL Errors
Without Proper BOL Coordination:
- LC discrepancies: Banks refuse payment because BOL description doesn’t match LC terms
- Expensive amendments: Carriers charge $100+ to fix typos or incorrect weights
- Delivery delays: Wrong consignee details prevent cargo release at destination
- Demurrage charges: Delays in document correction trigger storage fees
What We Do
We act as your documentation coordinator, ensuring your Bill of Lading is issued correctly before the vessel sails.
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)
Clear, accurate instructions to your freight forwarder
We prepare the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction with all the details your freight forwarder needs to issue the BOL correctly.
What we include:
- Shipper, consignee, and notify party details
- Cargo description matching your invoice and LC
- Container numbers, seal numbers, and marks
- Freight terms (prepaid/collect) and payment instructions
- Express release or original BOL instructions
Draft BOL Proofing
We catch errors before the BOL is issued
Once the freight forwarder sends the draft BOL, we meticulously review it against your commercial invoice and Letter of Credit.
What we check:
- Cargo description matches LC wording exactly
- Consignee name and address are correct
- Weights, quantities, and container numbers are accurate
- Port of loading and discharge are correct
- Freight terms (prepaid/collect) match your agreement
- No typos or formatting errors
Our 3-Step Process
You Send Booking Details
Email us your commercial invoice, packing list, and Letter of Credit (if applicable). Tell us your freight forwarder and vessel details.
We Submit SLI to Forwarder
We prepare and send the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction to your freight forwarder with all required details.
We Proof the Draft BOL
When the forwarder sends the draft BOL, we review it line-by-line and request corrections if needed before it’s finalised.
BOL Types We Handle
Express Release
No original BOL required. Cargo is released to the consignee upon arrival without surrendering documents.
Fastest option for established buyers
Original BOL
Physical BOL couriered to you or the consignee. Required for LCs and high-value shipments. Provides full control over cargo release.
Required for Letter of Credit shipments
Switch BOL
Allows you to replace the original BOL with a new one (e.g., to change consignee or protect supplier identity from buyer).
Common for trading companies
Letter of Credit Compliance
If you’re shipping under a Letter of Credit, the BOL must comply with LC terms exactly. Even minor discrepancies can lead to payment refusal.
We Check BOL Against LC Requirements:
- Consignee: Must match LC exactly (e.g., “To Order of XYZ Bank” if required)
- Cargo Description: Must match LC wording (can’t paraphrase)
- Port of Loading: Must be the port stated in the LC
- Port of Discharge: Must be the destination port in the LC
- Latest Shipment Date: BOL date must be on or before LC deadline
- Freight Terms: Prepaid or collect as per LC requirement
- Clean BOL: No negative remarks about cargo condition (unless LC allows)
Pricing
BOL Coordination Service
Prevent costly amendments with expert coordination
Standard Shipments
$60
per shipment
- SLI preparation and submission
- Draft BOL review
- Email coordination with forwarder
Letter of Credit Shipments
LC$85
per shipment
Everything in Standard, plus:
- LC term-by-term BOL compliance check
- Discrepancy identification and prevention
- Direct phone support
💡 Save hundreds compared to the cost of a single BOL amendment ($100–$250+)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you coordinate with any freight forwarder?
Yes. We work with all major freight forwarders in New Zealand and internationally. We simply need their email contact and your booking reference number.
What if my forwarder has already issued the BOL?
If the vessel hasn’t sailed yet, we can still request amendments. However, this will likely incur carrier amendment fees. It’s best to engage us before the BOL is issued.
How long does BOL coordination take?
We need 1-2 business days before your cargo departure to coordinate with the forwarder. For urgent bookings, contact us immediately and we’ll expedite the process.
Do you handle Seaway Bills and Air Waybills too?
Yes. We coordinate Seaway Bills (non-negotiable sea documents), Air Waybills (AWB), and Master Bills of Lading. The pricing is the same.
What information do you need from me?
We need your commercial invoice, packing list, freight forwarder contact details, and booking reference. If it’s an LC shipment, send us the Letter of Credit as well.
Ready to Avoid Costly BOL Errors?
Prevent Amendment Fees. Ship with Confidence.
Let us coordinate with your freight forwarder to ensure your Bill of Lading is issued correctly the first time.
Get BOL Coordination
Or call us at 021 025 15316