Missing one document at origin is the most common reason a shipment sits instead of sails. Run through this before cargo leaves your dock.
Why document mismatches cause the most delay
Customs and banks don’t read documents individually, they cross-check them. A commercial invoice that says 500 units and a packing list that says 480 triggers a hold, even if the discrepancy is a typo. Before anything ships, the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading should describe the exact same cargo in the exact same terms.
Letter of credit shipments need extra care
If you’re getting paid against a letter of credit, documents must match the LC’s exact wording, not just the PO. Banks reject documents for discrepancies as small as a misspelled company name or a shipped-on-board date that falls outside the LC’s shipment window. Check LC-paid shipments against this list and the LC terms separately.
Once documents are set, check the import customs clearance checklist for what the receiving side needs.