Booking Note (BN)
Also known as: booking note, freight booking, cargo booking, shipping booking, vessel booking
A document issued by a carrier or freight forwarder confirming that cargo space has been reserved on a specific vessel or voyage based on the shipper's booking request.
A booking note is the first formal confirmation that a shipment has been accepted for transportation. It outlines the agreed shipment details, including the cargo, vessel, voyage, ports, freight terms, and cut-off dates. Although it is not a document of title, it serves as the agreement between the shipper and the carrier before the cargo is handed over for shipment. The information in the booking note is later used to prepare the shipping instructions and Bill of Lading.
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