Booking Order Template

The booking order is the primary document used to reserve space on a vessel, flight, or truck. Submit this form to your freight forwarder to initiate a shipment.

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Below is a standard booking order format used by most Chinese freight forwarders and carriers.

BOOKING ORDER / SHIPPING ORDER

Skyler Logistics Co., Ltd. · Booking No.: SKL-2026-XXXX
Booking Date
YYYY-MM-DD *
Shipper / Exporter
Company name, address, contact person, phone, email *
Consignee / Importer
Company name, address, contact person, phone, email *
Notify Party
Same as consignee or other party
Service Type
FCL / LCL / Air Freight / Express / Rail *
Port of Loading (POL)
e.g., Shenzhen (CNSZN), Shanghai (CNSHA) *
Port of Discharge (POD)
e.g., Los Angeles (USLAX), Hamburg (DEHAM) *
Final Destination
City, state/province, country, ZIP
Vessel / Voyage / Flight
To be advised by carrier
Container Type & Qty
e.g., 2 x 40HQ, 1 x 20GP
Cargo Description
Commodity name, HS code, number of packages, packaging type *
Gross Weight (kg)
Total gross weight *
Volume (CBM)
Total volume in cubic meters *
Incoterms
FOB / EXW / FCA / CIF / DAP / DDP *
Special Instructions
Temperature control, hazardous goods, oversize, etc.
Expected Cargo Ready Date
YYYY-MM-DD *
Requested ETD
YYYY-MM-DD

Required Fields Explained

FieldWhy It Matters
Shipper & ConsigneeAppears on B/L and customs declarations. Must match commercial invoice exactly.
POL & PODDetermines routing, transit time, and freight rate. Use UN/LOCODE where possible.
Container Type20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, 45HQ. Affects rate and space availability.
Gross WeightCritical for VGM (Verified Gross Mass) filing. Overweight containers may be rejected.
IncotermsDefines who pays for freight, insurance, and customs. Directly impacts cost allocation.
Cargo Ready DateForwarder uses this to book the right sailing/flight. Miss it and you may wait 1-2 weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

📝 Tip: Submit your booking order at least 7-10 days before the expected cargo ready date for sea freight, and 3-5 days for air freight. During peak season (August-January), book even earlier.
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