A dock receipt is a key document used in international shipping to confirm that cargo has been delivered to the carrier’s custody at a port, terminal, or container freight station (CFS). It serves as a receipt for the shipper and a checkpoint document for the carrier or its agent before a bill of lading is issued.
Most often used in ocean freight exports, a dock receipt records the condition, quantity, and description of cargo as it enters the port terminal or warehouse. It provides proof of delivery to the dock and ensures that the freight has been handed off to the correct carrier or consolidator for further processing.
Why Is a Dock Receipt Important?
The dock receipt plays an important role in linking the shipper’s inland operations with the ocean carrier’s export documentation process. Without it, there may be discrepancies in cargo accountability, loading errors, or customs filing delays.
When goods are delivered to a container terminal or CFS, the receiving staff reviews the shipment against the receipt to ensure that what was booked matches what was received. Once verified, the carrier or its agent signs the document, and the dock receipt is used to prepare the ocean bill of lading.
This process not only helps establish chain of custody, but also protects all parties involved in the shipment—from shipper to consignee.
What Does a Receipt Include?
- Name and address of shipper and consignee
- Booking number and vessel information
- Port of loading and discharge
- Description of goods (including packaging, marks, and measurements)
- Number of pieces or containers
- Weight and dimensions of the cargo
- Export references (such as PO number or ITN if filed)
- Signature of warehouse/CFS personnel upon receipt
- Condition of cargo at time of handoff
Dock Receipt vs. Bill of Lading: What’s the Difference?
While the dock receipt and bill of lading may look similar, they serve different purposes. The dock receipt is an internal transfer document that proves the cargo has been handed over to the carrier or its agent. The bill of lading (B/L), by contrast, is a legal contract of carriage that is issued once the cargo is loaded aboard the vessel.
Think of the dock receipt as a “pre-B/L” checkpoint. It confirms everything is in order before the official shipping document is released. Errors on the dock receipt can carry over to the bill of lading, so it’s essential that details are verified before cargo acceptance.
When Is a Dock Receipt Issued?
A dock receipt is typically issued after the cargo is delivered to the port, warehouse, or terminal—but before it is loaded onto the vessel. It may be created by the freight forwarder, NVOCC, or warehouse operator in coordination with the booking party.
For full container load (FCL) shipments, the drayage provider or shipper may present the dock receipt at the terminal gate to gain entry and verify container drop-off. For less-than-container load (LCL) cargo, it’s usually issued at the CFS upon delivery and used to consolidate freight from multiple shippers.
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