Also forwarding instruction. An order to consign certain items to a consignee, and which contains all relevant data, such as description of the goods, mode of transport, etc.

instructions of shippers to carrier for forwarding of goods; usually the triplicate copy of the bill of lading.

Saia's copy of the bill of lading.

Instructions of shipper to carrier for forwarding of goods.

Shipper's instructions to carrier for forwarding goods; usually the triplicate copy of the bill of lading.

Instructions from a shipper to a carrier for the transportation of goods.

Usually for the same set of Shipping Orders, there are a number of copies with the same form and contents but with different names such as the 1st copy is called Shipping Order and remainders are called Shipping Order Copy or Dock Receipt for different purposes such as space control, surveyor and sworn measurer, documentation. As EDI is more popular nowadays and used by both the shipper and Customs, hardcopy Shipping Order is no longer widely used.