Our cross-trading facility reduces your shipping costs while giving you full control. We perform a thorough risk analysis before every contract and inform you about every document beforehand to avoid delays. We have extensive experience with hazardous shipments under cross-trade.
Switch bill of lading
Cross-trade shipments typically operate under a Switch B/L - an amended document that substitutes the original B/L. It changes specific details (shipper, consignee, or goods description) while keeping core shipment facts intact.
Only a cargo owner or principal possessing the full set of original documents can request a switch B/L. A carrier, their agent, or a freight forwarder can issue one.
What can and cannot be changed
Names of shipper, consignee, or notify party and goods descriptions can be amended. The date and place of shipment, number of packages, weight, all original clauses, and special instructions (such as temperature requirements) must remain unchanged.
Common reasons for a switch B/L
- Goods resold en route - port of discharge must change
- Multiple B/Ls consolidated into one, or vice versa
- Customs or consignee requested cargo description edits
- Goods arrived at port before B/L
- Shipper/consignee information needs updating for the end buyer
Risk analysis
Every cross-trade operation is assessed for compliance and documentation risk before contract.
Hazardous expertise
Extensive experience handling dangerous goods across third-country routes.
Full documentation
All parties - shipper, consignee, and destination agent - informed at every stage.
Interested in cross trade shipment?
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