Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI): Template, Example and Fields Guide

A Shipper's Letter of Instruction, or SLI, gives a freight forwarder shipment details and instructions for arranging transport and preparing the agreed documentation. It commonly identifies the parties, cargo, route, service requirements and handling instructions. For US exports, it may also collect information needed by the authorized export filer.

Use the form or workflow accepted by your forwarder. An SLI is not a bill of lading, a commercial invoice or confirmation that an export declaration has been filed. If the document is also intended to authorize an agent, its wording and execution must satisfy the relevant authorization requirements.

What Is an SLI Used For?

An SLI helps the shipper and forwarder work from the same instructions. It can support booking, cargo handling, transport-document preparation and the collection of export data.

The shipper supplies accurate information and identifies special requirements. The forwarder checks the requested services, resolves missing details and confirms what can be arranged. Export-filing responsibilities depend on the transaction and the applicable rules; sending an SLI does not automatically transfer every responsibility to the forwarder. US filing responsibilities and authorization requirements are set out in 15 CFR 30.3.

Shipper's Letter of Instruction Fields Guide

Not every field applies to every shipment. Complete the core shipment details, then use the additional fields requested for your origin country, transport mode and transaction.

For US filings, 15 CFR 30.6 identifies the EEI data elements, including party details, commodity information, quantities, weights and reporting values. Your forwarder may need additional information beyond the common fields above.

Blank Shipper's Letter of Instruction Template

Copy this template to prepare your instructions, then have your forwarder confirm the required format and any additional fields. This is a general working template, not a government form, a complete AES filing worksheet or a power of attorney. Complete applicable fields before submission and clearly identify anything awaiting confirmation.

A. Reference and parties

B. Transport and commercial instructions

C. Cargo details — repeat for each distinct item or required reporting line

D. US export supplement — only where applicable

E. Attachments, approval and change control

Approval note: I confirm that the shipment details supplied have been reviewed and request confirmation of the listed services and special instructions. Any required export-filing authorization is provided through the separately accepted authorization process. Please identify missing information before acting on incomplete instructions.

SLI Example: An LCL Shipment from the US to Spain

The following is a fictional operational example, not a real shipment, quote or export declaration. It demonstrates how to write specific cargo and handling instructions. It is not ready for dispatch until the outstanding export-data and authorization checks are completed.

The detail helps prevent avoidable questions: the forwarder can distinguish 200 goods units from 20 cartons and two pallets, see the actual packed volume and check the non-stackable request. The example deliberately does not invent a classification code, license determination or ITN. Those entries must be based on the actual product and transaction.

US Export Notes: SLI, EEI, AES and Authorization

An SLI can provide information to a filer, but EEI is the export information submitted through AES. An accepted filing produces an Internal Transaction Number (ITN). A completed SLI is not evidence that the filing was accepted.

Confirm who the USPPI is, who is authorized to file and whether the transaction is standard or routed. An Incoterm alone does not settle those roles. Where an agent files, the required authorization must come from the appropriate principal party and specify the authority granted. 15 CFR 30.3.

Do not assume that every shipment needs EEI or that a low invoice value always makes it exempt. The low-value exemption has conditions, including how goods are grouped under classification numbers, and mandatory filing rules can override exemptions. Have the filer document the applicable basis. 15 CFR 30.37.

For standard non-USML predeparture shipments outside the special US–Puerto Rico timing rules, the regulations specify 24 hours before vessel loading for ocean cargo and two hours before scheduled aircraft departure for air cargo. These are regulatory filing/citation deadlines, not a recommended deadline for sending your SLI. The forwarder needs the information earlier to check it and resolve errors. Other cargo and procedures have different requirements. 15 CFR 30.4.

For shipments exported from Spain or another country, use the declaration and authorization process applicable to that origin. Do not copy US-specific EIN, Schedule B, AES or exemption fields into a local export process without checking their relevance.

SLI vs Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Bill of Lading

Use these documents together and reconcile differences. They serve distinct purposes. The International Trade Administration explains common export documents.

Use our export packing list guide to organize package details and our HS, HTS and TARIC guide to understand the different classification systems.

Can an SLI Help Prevent Cargo Damage?

Clear instructions can reduce misunderstandings about stacking, lifting, orientation and delivery access. They work best when the forwarder confirms acceptance and the relevant parties receive the instructions before handling the goods.

An SLI does not guarantee damage-free transport. Appropriate packaging, cargo securing, equipment, training and agreed handling remain necessary. A note on the form also does not override the transport contract, insurance terms or applicable liability rules.

For example, “do not stack other cargo on these pallets; confirm non-stackable acceptance before booking” gives the forwarder an action to resolve. A vague instruction such as “handle carefully” does not describe the loading constraint.

Before You Send Your SLI

• Match names, descriptions, quantities and references against the invoice and packing list.
• Check units, packed dimensions and gross/net weight labels.
• Identify the latest revision and the person who can answer questions.
• Confirm special handling acceptance and any effect on the price or service.
• Resolve the applicable filing requirement, responsible party and authorization.
• Submit before the forwarder's document cutoff, then obtain receipt and resolve outstanding questions.
• Communicate changes promptly and retain the instructions, supporting records and confirmations. US FTR recordkeeping generally requires five years from export, with longer requirements taking precedence where applicable. 15 CFR 30.10.

Prepare Your Shipment with iContainers

Have your cargo description, packed dimensions, weight, origin, destination and requested services ready when you request a quote. Once you have a booking contact, confirm the accepted SLI format and document deadline before submitting your shipment instructions.