Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shipping note \Ship"ping note\ (Com.)
   A document used in shipping goods by sea. In the case of free
   goods the shipping notes are the

   {receiving note}, addressed by the shipper to the chief
      officer of the vessel, requesting him to receive on board
      specified goods, and a receipt for the mate to sign, on
      receiving whose signature it is called the

   {mate's receipt}, and is surrendered by the shipper for the
      bills of lading.