Please advise what to do if I do not have a bill of lading number at the time I submit the ISF? Often, the bill of lading numbers are not issued until after sailing.

Please advise what to do if I do not have a bill of lading number at the time I submit the ISF? Often, the bill of lading numbers are not issued until after sailing.

The ISF Importer must obtain the bill of lading number, as it is an integral part of the security filing. Without the bill of lading number, the ISF cannot be matched to a customs manifest. The bill of lading number is part of the customs manifest information that is already required to be presented to CBP by the carrier or automated Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) 24 hours prior to the cargo being laden on a vessel destined to the United States.