Skip to content
Stowage.id
Start free
Vessel Stowage Every vessel type 3D PlannerToolsFreightDirectoryGuidesAcademyPricingPortsShipping linesGlossaryInsightsJobsDevelopersFor vendors
Log in Bahasa Indonesia
Documents

Shipping Instruction (SI)

Abbreviation: SI

A shipping instruction is the shipper's instruction to the carrier or forwarder from which the B/L is prepared. It lists shipper, consignee, notify party, cargo description, HS code, package count, weight, volume, container and seal numbers, and VGM data. It has its own deadline, the SI cut-off, usually earlier than the container cut-off. A late or wrong SI can mean amendment fees or the container rolling to the next vessel.

Related terms

  • Booking Confirmation

    A booking confirmation is the carrier's written confirmation that space on a vessel has been allocated.

  • Bill of Lading (B/L)

    A bill of lading is the ocean transport document issued by the carrier or its agent.

  • Closing Time (Cut-off)

    Closing time is the last moment a full container may gate in at the terminal and still be loaded on a given vessel.

  • VGM (Verified Gross Mass)

    VGM is the verified gross mass of a packed container, mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VI Regulation 2 since 1 July 2016.

Covered in these guides

Container sizes & capacity

Reefer Containers: 20RF & 40RF Dimensions, Set Points, PTI and Stuffing

A practical guide to 20RF and 40RF reefer containers covering inside dimensions, the red load line, set points, PTI, ventilation, pre-cooling and documents.

6 min read

← Back to glossary

Try it in the 3D Planner

Enter your cargo dimensions and weights, pick a container or truck, and see the load layout, utilisation and centre of gravity in 3D. Free, no sign-up.

Open 3D Planner Browse free tools

Load planning simulation. Not a substitute for official weighing, VGM, the vessel loading computer, or operator approval.