An Advice Note is a formal business document issued by a supplier or shipper to notify a customer or consignee that goods have been dispatched and are in transit. This document serves as advance notification of an impending delivery, providing essential details about the shipment including item descriptions, quantities, shipping method, and expected delivery timeframe. The advice note functions as a communication bridge between the sender and receiver, enabling the receiving party to prepare for incoming goods and verify shipment details against purchase orders.
Typical Contents
- Supplier and customer contact information for communication purposes
- Purchase order or reference numbers for transaction tracking
- Item descriptions and product codes for accurate identification
- Quantities and units of measure for each item in the shipment
- Shipping method and carrier information (road, rail, air, or sea freight)
- Dispatch date and estimated delivery date or time window
- Packaging details such as number of pallets, cartons, or containers
- Special handling instructions if applicable (fragile, temperature-controlled, hazardous materials)
- Tracking numbers or consignment references for shipment monitoring
