1. In freight-prepaid shipments, written directions from a consignor (or shipper) of a shipment to a carrier or freight forwarder to release the shipment to the named delivery party.
2. In freight-collect (free on board) shipments, order by a carrier to the port authorities to release a shipment to the named delivery party on payment of the specified freight charges. Not to be confused with delivery instructions document which pertains to inland transportation.