Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)
A Shipper's Letter of Instruction is commonly used to communicate shipment, routing, handling and export instructions to a freight forwarder or logistics provider.
Organize instructions for the forwarder.
An SLI can organize shipper or USPPI information, consignee details, forwarder information, routing, commodity information, handling instructions and export references. The exact information and legal purpose can vary by forwarder and shipment.
Because many of the same parties, product descriptions, quantities and references appear on other shipping documents, keeping the SLI connected to the shipment can reduce inconsistent information.
Information an SLI can include
Organize the shipment information in four passes.
Enter the shipper or USPPI, consignee and freight forwarder information.
Record destination, mode, references and any routing information requested by the forwarder.
List quantities, descriptions, values and Schedule B or tariff references when applicable.
Add handling or filing instructions, then use the forwarder's required form or process if one is specified.
Use the format required by your forwarder.
The free SLI generator is a general-purpose worksheet. When a forwarder, carrier, broker or agency specifies its own SLI format or electronic process, use that required format.
If you prepare export paperwork repeatedly, the Windows software can keep recurring parties, products and shipment information together so the SLI can be prepared alongside the commercial invoice, packing list and related documents.
Common questions
What is a Shipper's Letter of Instruction?
An SLI is commonly used by the shipper to provide instructions and shipment information to a freight forwarder or other logistics provider.
Can I create an SLI online?
Yes. The free SLI Generator creates a general-purpose worksheet that can be printed or saved as PDF.
Does an SLI replace an export filing?
No. An SLI may communicate instructions related to export handling, but it is not itself an electronic export filing service.
Need to reuse SLI information across shipments?
Keep the SLI connected to the shipment record instead of rebuilding another separate form.
See SLI Software