Said to Contain (STC) is a shipping term used on bills of lading to describe the contents of a container as declared by the shipper but not verified by the carrier.
STC is commonly used in logistics to acknowledge that the carrier is transporting goods based on the shipper's description, without inspecting the contents. This term helps carriers avoid liability for discrepancies between the declared and actual contents of a shipment. However, it also emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation from the shipper to prevent disputes or delays in the supply chain.
STC works by allowing carriers to transport goods based on the shipper’s declaration without verifying the container's contents. For your business, this means faster processing and lower shipping costs since carriers can focus on transport rather than inspections. By ensuring accurate declarations, you can avoid customs issues, reduce disputes, and maintain smooth operations across the supply chain.
Buske Logistics is a Top 40 3PL with over 35 warehouses across North America, specializing in warehousing, transportation, and value-added services. We provide tailored logistics solutions serving major Fortune 500 companies.
The STC notation plays a crucial role in logistics and 3PL by clarifying the responsibilities of shippers and carriers. It ensures that carriers are not held accountable for the accuracy of the declared contents, reducing liability risks. For shippers, using STC emphasizes the need for precise declarations to avoid issues during customs clearance or delivery.
For example, a top 3PL provider handling international freight may rely on the STC notation to transport goods without verifying each package's contents. This allows for efficient shipping operations while placing the responsibility on the shipper to ensure accurate documentation, avoiding potential delays or penalties.