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U.S. Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI), page 1
Complex · 71/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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A U.S. Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is a shipper-provided instruction sheet used in international shipping to communicate key export and transportation details to a forwarder or agent. It captures the data elements commonly required to prepare export documentation and, when applicable, to transmit Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES). The SLI can also include optional insurance and declared value instructions and may grant the forwarder authorization (and, for air cargo, consent to screening) when a separate power of attorney is not provided. Completing it accurately helps ensure export compliance, correct routing, and proper handling of liability/insurance choices.
Fillable fields162
Pages2
Sections26
Tables and lists1
Questions that depend on earlier answers9
Form Complexity IndexComplex, 71/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

16 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

USPPI Name and Full Address Completeness

Validates that the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI)/shipper name and full physical address are provided (street, city, state, postal code, country if applicable). This is required for EEI filing and to establish the legal exporting party. If any required address element is missing or appears to be a P.O. Box where a physical location is required, the submission should be rejected or routed for manual review.

USPPI EIN Format and Presence

Checks that the USPPI EIN is present and matches a valid EIN format (9 digits, optionally with a hyphen as XX-XXXXXXX). EIN is a core EEI data element and is used to identify the exporter in government filings. If the EIN is missing or malformed, the system should block EEI submission and prompt for correction.

Contact Name, Title, and Phone Number Validation

Ensures the USPPI contact name and title are populated and the contact phone number is in a valid format (E.164 or a consistent national format with country/area code). A reachable contact is critical for resolving export compliance, routing, and carrier questions. If the phone number fails validation or required contact fields are blank, the form should not be accepted as complete.

Signature and Signature Date Requirement Based on Authorization Conditions

Validates that the SLI is signed and dated by an authorized USPPI representative when authorization is being granted (e.g., no separate POA provided) and/or when air cargo screening consent is required for air shipments handled by Expeditors. The signature is the legal attestation enabling EEI filing and TSA screening consent where applicable. If the required signature/date is missing, the system should prevent processing and flag the shipment as unauthorized.

Routed Export Transaction Consistency (USPPI vs FPPI Fields)

If 'Routed Export Transaction' is marked Yes, validates that the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) name is provided and that routed-transaction-related fields are not left blank. Routed transactions change who provides instructions and can affect EEI responsibilities and data sourcing. If routed is Yes but FPPI is missing (or routed is No but FPPI is filled in a way that implies routed), the submission should be flagged for correction.

Ultimate Consignee Name/Address and Consignee Type Validation

Checks that the ultimate consignee name and address are complete and that 'Consignee Type' is selected from allowed values (e.g., direct consumer, government, reseller, etc., as configured). Consignee identity and type are required for EEI and export compliance screening. If consignee details are incomplete or consignee type is missing/invalid, the form should fail validation.

And 10 more checks
  • Country of Ultimate Destination and State of Origin Format/Logic
  • Date of Export Format and Temporal Consistency
  • Transportation Method and Mode/Service Type Coherence
  • Port of Export and Port of Unlading Required/Valid Values
  • Inbond Code and Entry Number Dependency Validation
  • License Determination Completeness and License Identifier Rules
  • Commodity Line Item Minimum Data and Line Number Integrity
  • Schedule B/HTS and ECCN/USML Format Validation
  • Quantity/UOM and Weight Numeric Validation with Reasonableness Checks
  • Insurance Requested and Amount/Declared Value Conditional Requirements

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How to Fill Out SLI Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Enter shipment reference details and parties: USPPI/shipper information, ultimate consignee, intermediate consignee (if any), and contact name/title/phone.
  2. Complete export compliance and transaction indicators: routed export transaction status, related parties, hazardous materials, used vehicle indicator, and any DDTC/OFAC/BIS-related certifications as applicable.
  3. Provide license determination details: select NLR or specify license/license exception/exemption type, and enter license numbers/CFR citations, DDTC registration, and any required values/quantities.
  4. Add commodity line items: commodity description, Schedule B/HTS, ECCN or USML category, quantity/UOM, gross weight, and export value for each line.
  5. Fill transportation instructions: method/mode (air/ocean/truck/rail), service type (door/port options), ports (export/unlading), exporting carrier/vessel (if applicable), dates, in-bond/FTZ/entry details, and freight terms (prepaid/collect).
  6. If needed, complete Section 9 options: request insurance (yes/no) and enter amount of insurance and/or declared value for carriage to increase carrier liability limits.
  7. Review certifications/terms and sign/date as an authorized USPPI/shipper representative to authorize EEI filing and/or consent to air cargo screening when applicable.

Common Mistakes in Completing SLI

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Leaving Section 1–7 partially blank because they look “review only”
Many filers skim the instructions and assume Sections 1–7 are optional, when the form states they may be required depending on shipment details. Missing USPPI, consignee, commodity, or license-related data can prevent EEI filing or cause the forwarder to stop the shipment to request corrections. Avoid this by reviewing each field in Sections 1–7 and completing every item that applies to your shipment scenario (especially parties, destination, commodity, and licensing).
Using the wrong party information (USPPI vs. Ultimate Consignee vs. FPPI)
A frequent error is mixing up the USPPI/shipper, Ultimate Consignee, Intermediate Consignee, and FPPI (when different), or copying the same name/address into multiple roles. This can lead to incorrect EEI party reporting, routed-transaction confusion, and compliance flags (e.g., sanctions screening or export control checks tied to the wrong entity). Avoid it by confirming who is the USPPI (U.S. seller/exporter), who is the actual end receiver (ultimate consignee), and only completing FPPI when it is different from the ultimate consignee.
Entering an EIN in the wrong format or using an invalid identifier
People often enter a Social Security Number, a DUNS number, or an EIN with missing digits/hyphens in the EIN field. Invalid identifiers can cause EEI rejection or delays while the forwarder requests corrected tax/registration information. Avoid this by entering the USPPI EIN exactly as required (9 digits, typically formatted as XX-XXXXXXX) and verifying it matches the USPPI name on the form.
Misclassifying the commodity (Schedule B/HTS missing or incorrect)
Filers commonly provide only a vague commodity description (e.g., “parts” or “samples”) and omit or guess the Schedule B/HTS code. Incorrect classification can result in EEI errors, misreported export statistics, licensing mistakes, and potential penalties if controlled items are misclassified. Avoid this by providing a clear, specific description and the correct Schedule B (for exports) or HTS as requested, aligned to each line item.
Confusing ECCN vs. USML category or defaulting to “NLR” incorrectly
A common mistake is entering an ECCN in the USML field, listing “EAR99” as an ECCN, or selecting NLR without confirming whether the item is controlled. This can cause improper license determination, shipment holds, or serious compliance exposure if an ITAR-controlled item is treated as EAR/NLR. Avoid it by confirming whether the item is EAR-controlled (ECCN), ITAR-controlled (USML category), or truly NLR, and documenting the correct license exception/exemption or citation when applicable.
Line-item quantity/UOM and weight errors (mismatched units or totals)
People often enter quantities without a unit of measure, use nonstandard UOMs, or provide gross weight that doesn’t reconcile with the number of packages/line items. These inconsistencies can trigger EEI validation issues, carrier documentation problems, and rating/billing disputes. Avoid it by using standard UOMs, ensuring each line has quantity and UOM, and checking that gross weight and totals align with packing lists and booking details.
Export value mistakes (using invoice total, wrong currency, or including freight/insurance)
Filers frequently enter the wrong “Export Value” by using the full commercial invoice total including freight/insurance, using a foreign currency amount without conversion, or leaving values blank for “no charge” shipments. Incorrect values can cause EEI rejection, inaccurate reporting, and customs/audit issues. Avoid it by entering the correct export value per line item (typically the selling price or cost if not sold), in the required currency, and consistent with the invoice and Incoterms.
Incorrectly answering transaction flags (Routed, Related Parties, Sold En Route)
Checkbox fields like Routed Export Transaction, Related Parties, and Sold En Route are often guessed or left inconsistent with the commercial terms. Wrong answers can change who is responsible for EEI filing, affect required data elements, and create compliance risk if the filing party is misidentified. Avoid it by confirming the Incoterms/contract terms and who controls the export movement, then answering these flags based on the actual transaction structure.
Transportation section errors (method/mode/service type/ports don’t match booking)
Many submissions select Air/Ocean/Truck/Rail incorrectly, choose Consol vs Direct inconsistently, or provide ports (Port of Export/Unlading) that don’t match the carrier routing. This leads to documentation rework, misrouted shipments, and EEI data mismatches. Avoid it by copying transportation details from the confirmed booking: correct mode, service type (Door-to-Door, Port-to-Port, etc.), exporting carrier/vessel (if known), and accurate ports.
Misunderstanding insurance vs. declared value for carriage
A frequent misunderstanding is thinking that entering a Declared Value for Carriage purchases “all-risk” insurance, or checking “Insurance Requested” without entering an amount. This can leave the shipment underprotected and can also create billing disputes if a declared value triggers additional carrier charges. Avoid it by deciding explicitly: request insurance by checking “Yes” and entering the insurance amount, and only use Declared Value for Carriage to increase carrier liability limits (not as a substitute for insurance).
Missing required signature/date/authority when POA or air cargo screening applies
People often forget to sign/date the SLI or have someone sign who is not a duly authorized representative, especially when no separate POA is on file or when air cargo screening consent is required. This can stop EEI filing, delay tender to the airline, and create TSA compliance issues for passenger-aircraft cargo. Avoid it by confirming whether a POA exists, ensuring the correct authorization section is completed, and obtaining a valid signature, title, and date from an authorized USPPI/shipper representative.

Frequently Asked Questions About SLI

 

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Yes. You pay $0 today. Cancel before Nov 1 and you are never charged. Keep it, and it is $19.99 a month for 5 fills of your SLI.
Can I fill other forms too?
This plan is for your SLI: your own AI agent fills it as often as 5 times a month. To fill other forms and upload your own, choose a Professional plan from your account.
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How does the AI fill out SLI?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of SLI, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is SLI to fill out?
SLI has a Form Complexity Index of 71 out of 100, in the complex tier: 162 fillable fields across 2 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is the U.S. Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) used for?
The SLI provides shipment details and instructions to Expeditors, including the data needed to file Electronic Export Information (EEI) when required. It can also serve as shipping instructions when Expeditors is acting as the forwarding agent.
Who is responsible for completing and signing the SLI?
The USPPI/shipper (U.S. Principal Party in Interest) is responsible for providing accurate information, and an authorized representative must sign when authorizing Expeditors to prepare export documents/EEI or when required for air cargo screening consent.
Which sections of the SLI are required vs. optional?
Sections 1–7 should be reviewed and may be required depending on the shipment. Section 8 is conditional (transportation details/instructions), Section 9 is optional (insurance or higher declared value), and Section 10 is used for authorizations (EEI filing and/or TSA screening).
When do I need to sign the SLI if I already have a Power of Attorney (POA) on file?
If a separate POA has been provided, you may not need to sign solely to authorize EEI filing/export documents. However, you still must sign if the shipment contains air cargo and Expeditors is responsible for transportation (to provide TSA-required consent to screening).
What information is typically needed for the USPPI and Ultimate Consignee sections?
You’ll generally need names and addresses, contact name/title/phone, and identifiers such as the USPPI EIN. For the consignee, you may also need consignee type and destination details (including country of ultimate destination).
How do I complete the commodity line items (Schedule B/HTS, ECCN/USML, quantity, weight, and value)?
List each product on its own line with a clear commodity description, the correct Schedule B or HTS code, and the applicable ECCN or USML category if controlled. Provide quantity/UOM, gross weight, and export value for each line item.
What does “License Determination” mean and what are the options like NLR, BIS, DDTC, OFAC, or NRC?
This section indicates whether an export license is required and which authority applies. Common entries include NLR (No License Required) or a license/license exception/exemption type; if a license applies, include the license number or CFR citation as indicated on the form.
What is a “Routed Export Transaction,” and how should I answer that question?
A routed export transaction generally means the foreign principal party in interest (FPPI) authorizes a U.S. agent to facilitate the export. If it is routed, you may need to provide FPPI name (if different from the ultimate consignee) and ensure responsibilities for EEI filing are clearly authorized.
When do I need to complete Section 8 (Transportation / Special Instructions)?
Complete Section 8 if Expeditors is not responsible for transportation and you must provide transportation details for EEI filing, or if Expeditors is responsible and you need to provide shipping instructions (mode, service type, ports, carrier details, etc.).
How do I indicate the method of transportation and service type (e.g., Air/Ocean/Truck/Rail; Door-to-Door)?
Select the method of transportation (Air, Ocean, Truck, or Rail) and then choose the service type that matches your move (Port-to-Port, Door-to-Port, Port-to-Door, or Door-to-Door). Provide related routing details such as port of export and port of unlading when applicable.
What should I do if the shipment includes hazardous materials or used vehicles?
Mark the “Hazardous Materials?” and/or “Used Vehicle(s)” indicators accordingly. You should also provide any required supporting details and documentation through your shipping process, since these shipments often have additional regulatory and carrier requirements.
How do I request cargo insurance, and what do I enter in Section 9?
To purchase insurance, check “Yes” under “Insurance Requested?” in Section 9 and enter the amount of insurance coverage you want. Insurance has an additional charge, and quotations/policy language are available upon request.
What is “Declared Value for Carriage,” and how is it different from insurance?
Declared Value for Carriage increases the carrier’s legal liability limit if you pay any required supplementary transportation charge, but it is not the same as all-risk cargo insurance. If you want broader financial protection, you should request insurance rather than relying only on declared value.
What are the standard limits of carrier liability mentioned on the form?
For air carriage, liability is commonly limited to about U.S. $9.07 per lb (U.S. $20 per kilogram) unless a higher value is declared and any required charges are paid. For ocean carriage, liability is often limited to U.S. $500 per package (or per customary freight unit for non-packaged goods) unless a higher value is declared and additional freight is paid.
If freight charges are marked “Collect,” who is responsible if the consignee refuses delivery or doesn’t pay?
The form states the shipper remains liable for collect freight charges if the shipment can’t be delivered as addressed or if the consignee refuses to accept delivery. A “Freight Collect” instruction alone typically does not remove the shipper’s responsibility for unpaid charges without a separate written agreement.
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