A shipping order (SO) is a document confirming that space has been reserved on a vessel for the shipment of goods. It is issued by a shipping line and serves as an agreement between the shipper and the carrier.
A shipping order contains details like the shipper’s name, consignee, description of cargo, estimated weight/volume, port or place of loading, port or place of discharge/delivery, freight rate(s), payment terms, and insurance coverage.
The shipping order also serves as proof that all conditions mentioned in it have been accepted and agreed upon by both parties involved.