---
title: "Letter of Indemnity (LOI)"
description: "A Letter of Indemnity (LOI) is a document contractually obligating the shipper to take responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from a breach of contract, such as the terms and conditions of a bill of lading."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/letter-of-indemnity/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:11Z
topics:
  - "Risk Management"
  - "Customs & Compliance"
  - "Ocean Freight"
---

# Letter of Indemnity (LOI)

A Letter of Indemnity (LOI) is a document contractually obligating the shipper to take responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from a breach of contract, such as the terms and conditions of a bill of lading.

## What is a Letter of Indemnity (LOI)?

A Letter of Indemnity (LOI) is a document contractually obligating the shipper to take responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from a breach of contract (like the terms and conditions of a [bill of lading](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/bill-of-lading-bol-or-b-l/)).

### When is an LOI necessary?

Flexport will require an LOI if the consignee is receiving cargo without the presentation of an [endorsed original bill of lading](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/original-bill-of-lading/); i.e. if the shipment is released with a telex release. The LOI confirms that Flexport can release the goods to the consignee without the original bill of lading.

Ocean carriers may also require an LOI for some shipments containing [lithium batteries](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/hazardous-materials-hazmat-regulations/).

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/letter-of-indemnity/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/letter-of-indemnity/) for AI/LLM consumption.*