Skip to main content

SLI

SLI, short for shipper's letter of instruction, is a document in which a shipper gives a freight forwarder the information and instructions needed to arrange and handle an export shipment.

In plain English

This is the shipper’s instruction document for an export shipment. It tells the freight forwarder what information applies to the shipment and how the shipper wants it arranged and handled.

In context

Here, SLI refers to the exporter instruction document the forwarder is asking for so it has the shipment information and handling instructions for the export.

Situation
Coordinating freight quotes, booking, consolidation, handoff, and transport documents
What it communicates
labels the exporter instruction document requested by the forwarder.

Meaning limits

By itself, the term identifies that instruction document, not the specific contents of the shipment information or the current status of the export.

Examples

“The shipment was packed, but the SLI was still unsigned on the shipper's desk.”

Core meaning

“Before arranging the export, the forwarder asked the shipper for the SLI.”

In context