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What is a Bill of Lading?

Nicole Madison
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 788,211
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A bill of lading is a type of document that is used to acknowledge the receipt of a shipment of goods. A transportation company or carrier typically issues this document to a shipper. In addition to acknowledging the receipt of goods, the document indicates the particular vessel on which the goods have been placed, their intended destination and the terms for transporting the shipment to its final destination. It also includes a description of the goods that are being shipped, their weight and the other shipping details.

Inland, ocean, through and air waybill are the names given to bills of lading. An inland bill of lading is a document that establishes an agreement between a shipper and a transportation company for the transportation of goods over land. Ocean bills of lading specify the terms between exporters and international carriers for the shipment of goods to overseas locations.

A through bill of lading is a contract that covers the specific terms agreed to by a shipper and carrier when more than one type of transportation is being used. This document can cover the domestic and international transportation of export merchandise. It provides the details of the agreed-upon modes of transportation between specific locations for a set monetary amount.

An air waybill is a bill of lading that establishes the terms of flights for the transportation of goods. The goods could be transported either domestically or internationally. This document also serves as a receipt for the shipper, proving the carrier's acceptance of the shipper's goods and the agreement to carry those goods to a specific airport.

Essentially, an air waybill is a type of through bill of lading. This is because air waybills might cover both international and domestic transportation of goods. By contrast, many ocean shipments require both inland and ocean bills of lading. Inland bills of lading are necessary for the domestic transportation of goods, and ocean bills of lading are necessary for the overseas carriage of goods.

Inland and ocean bills of lading might be negotiable or non-negotiable. If the bill of lading is non-negotiable, the transportation carrier is required to provide delivery only to the consignee named in the document. If the bill of lading is negotiable, the person who has ownership of the bill of lading has the right of ownership of the goods and the right to re-route the shipment. This is sometimes called a bearer bill of lading.

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Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a About Mechanics writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.
Discussion Comments
By LogisticsMD — On Feb 18, 2015

@anon966455: I don't see why not. Most suppliers would prefer to put their own name as "Shipper" if they're doing the shipping, but I've had documents made out in my company's name as "Shipper" and have them do all the importing. I'm guessing this is Canada / US shipments?

By anon966455 — On Aug 19, 2014

If the customs duties are on a pre-paid basis /charged to the supplier, will there be an implication in exporting the goods if the consignee/exporter is addressed to a different party?

By LogisticsMD — On Jan 02, 2014

No one has posted anything in a while so I'll post something for the new year.

A note to Ocean Exporters! Issue Seaway Bills to save paper! Go ECO, go green! Originals waste paper!

By LogisticsMD — On Oct 09, 2013

@anon350339: door to container yard; door to door; container yard to door; container yard to container yard.

These are the terms and conditions of the movement of the freight agreed to the forwarding company or carrier.

The advantage of the door move is that the carrier will handle the drayage or trucking cost, which is included in your quote.

Other costs, such as custom clearance will be on you, not the carrier.

By anon350339 — On Oct 03, 2013

What does the dr in dr-cy or dr-dr mean? Door?

By LogisticsMD — On Sep 27, 2013

@anon341996: I don't quite understand what you mean by "charge the shipping agency". If the contract terms were set as delivered to door, then they will pay the truck delivery costs, but the terminal handling charges and custom charges will be on your end.

You pretty much don't have a choice here. Either you pay the charges or your container will be stuck at port where demurrage charges quickly add up. Next time you should negotiate the import duty with the company you purchased the goods from.

@anon342306: "If the estimated time of shipment of copy documents and on the bill of lading are not the same, is it OK?"

I'm not sure what you mean by this. So you have a contract that says estimated time of shipping is "June" and the actual BL says "September 5". There's nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, let's say the government issued an import permit and the BL ship date was out of range of the allotted shipment period. Then you are in trouble and will likely not be allowed to import unless you get lucky.

By anon342306 — On Jul 19, 2013

If the estimated time of shipment of copy documents and on the bill of lading are not the same, is it OK?

By anon341996 — On Jul 16, 2013

Please tell us if we (the consignee) can charge the shipping agency for local taxes in the import town in the CFR condition, because the shipping line chose very expensive local agency. Can they (the shipping line or shipper) refuse us?

We are worried because in CFR or CIF, nobody will tell us the local charges, and they can be twice as much as all the transport tax plus naval transport when we choose domestic logistics companies. They did this on purpose but can I do something not to pay so much? Can I choose local logistics in CFR?

By anon289891 — On Sep 06, 2012

@anon289636: “Unless specifically agreed to by the Parties, any joint movement..."

First off, you probably won't be able to ship anything if you don't agree.

Second, if you if you choose to do any aspect of the shipping on your own, then it wouldn't be considered a through bill of lading. It's called a through bill of lading because the carrier is going to source load the container for you at your desired location and then ship it to the final destination.

From a carrier perspective, it's about liability and if you choose to do any aspect of the logistics portion, then the carrier cannot be held liable for any damages that come out of the transloading, trucking, or shipping.

Hope this helps.

By anon289636 — On Sep 05, 2012

What do you see as the practical effect of agreeing to this statement:

“Unless specifically agreed to by the Parties, any joint movement involving another transportation entity to or from a point outside the U.S. shall not be considered as moving on a "through" bill of lading.”

By LogisticsMD — On Aug 02, 2012

@anon282869: I honestly don't know too much about exporting to hostile territory because I don't have any experience in doing so, but I think if the Destination and Discharge port was Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and you booked your cargo CY-CY instead of CY-Door then there wouldn't be a need for the ocean carrier to mention the liability statement you mentioned before.

The notify party can be anyone in the world and doesn't affect the liability of the cargo. The notify party is usually the "middle man", the person who simply buys and sells the cargo. They might put their information in this box so they would be able to see the status of their cargo, but generally speaking to make things simple the Consignee and Notify party is usually the same address.

Hope this helps.

By anon282869 — On Jul 31, 2012

@LogisticsMD: Thank you for your reply. I did think they are writing that line to cover their liability but I am new to exports and was not sure about my inference.

One point I am not able to satisfy from this is: What if they simply mentioned the port of discharge as, say, Dar es Salaam, and did not mention Zambia or Rwanda at all (i.e. did not include the sentence I have reproduced in my earlier post)? Could the fact that the notify party is from Zambia/Rwanda possibly make the shipping line's position a little less watertight (unless they expressly disclaim liability for the transit from port of discharge onwards as above)?

By LogisticsMD — On Jul 20, 2012

@anon280475: This is stated so that if anything happens to your cargo you will be unable to make a claim to the carrier.

Assumption 1: I'm assuming the destination is different from the discharge port. For example let's say port of discharge is Dar es Salam and destination is Nacala, Mozambique. The carrier is responsible for trucking the goods on a bonded truck from port of Dar es Salam to Nacala. Once the container is at Nacala CY the consignee can pick up the goods from the port. They put that statement on the BL to let you know that if something were to happen during the bonded truck transit to Nacala, you will be unable to make a claim for your goods.

Assumption 2: My other assumption is that the person who typed up the BL just wanted to reiterate the fact that if something were to happen outside international territory (the container yard) that they cannot be held accountable for your goods and you will not be able to make a claim. They write such statements so it is clearly visible to the shipper when they read the BL and no arguments can be made in court. Hope this helps.

By anon280475 — On Jul 18, 2012

When we export goods to landlocked countries (e.g. Zambia or Rwanda), the shipping lines undertake to discharge goods at the nearest port, say, Dar es Salam and mention "Goods in transit to XXXX on consigness risk and a/c. Carriers responsibility ceases at Dar es Salam".

Since the port of discharge is already indicated as Dar es Salam, is there any specific reason to mention the above statement on the B/L?

By anon277158 — On Jun 28, 2012

LogisticsMD Post 90: Many thanks for your help. Very good and useful work. --Wesley C., Brazil.

By LogisticsMD — On Jun 27, 2012

@anon276657: Let me simplify what you're trying to ask me. Does the term 'intermodal system' mean 'Mini-landbridge' or road, rail, etc.?

Mini-landbridge is a whole different issue because it's a method to defer duties until you reach final destination. One example I can think of is moving cargo from U.S. to port of Ensenada to China (unreleastic, but as an example). Normally you would pay duty when you enter into a different country, but you can defer the taxes until you reach final destination.

Now as I digress, these definitions are ambiguous and can change depending on the context you put it in, but when I think of the word 'intermodal' what comes to my mind would be moving cargo within the country via Rail or Truck. Some people may include 'ocean shipping' as intermodal, but it all depends on how you see it.

The prefix 'inter' - between, among; different from 'intra', which means within.

Hope this clarifies things for you.

By LogisticsMD — On Jun 27, 2012

@anon276651: I'm guessing you're going through a freight forwarder that is doing some intermodal and ocean for you in one package. A Through Bill of Lading is when the Freight Forwarder is doing multiple modes of transportation that is different from the Origin for the Door to Door service. This is different from a carrier issued Ocean + Trucking services because this will be done via Ocean carrier so it will be on the Ocean B/L.

I am assuming you're going through a NVOCC/FF, so whatever B/L you receive will be an internalized House Bill of Lading so it will be different from an Original Carrier issued Ocean B/L or an intermodal B/L. Hope this helps.

By LogisticsMD — On Jun 27, 2012

@anon263335: Depending on what type of B/L you get you have different methods:

First off, once you obtain copies you can send it to your consignee via email.

Originals: You can do Cash Against Documents (CAD) and go through a bank or do a Letter of Credit via bank. If you trust your consignee just mail the Originals over to them so they can surrender it. Or if you're really nice, you can Surrender them on their behalf and pay the telex fee.

Telex or Seaway Bills: You can just mail them the release or Seaway bill copy for their own record keeping as a copy that the cargo has been released. Note that the consignee doesn't need these releases confirmations for them to pick up the cargo.

By anon276657 — On Jun 25, 2012

Considering that Mini Landbridge is an intermodal system for transporting containers by ocean and then by rail or motor to a port previously served as an all–water move (e.g., Hong Kong to New York over Seattle), and also considering that according to the United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods, 1980, Multimodal means 'one and only BL', the term 'intermodal system' above has the same meaning or also could means different BLs for different journey (road, rail, etc.)?

By anon276651 — On Jun 25, 2012

Is there any difference between Ocean (through) BL and a through BL? Please clarify.

By anon263335 — On Apr 24, 2012

I'm just wondering how we can pass the bill of lading to the consignee?

By LogisticsMD — On Mar 08, 2012

A note on destination changes.

Consider this when you change the destination of the booking. If you want the POD switched before the container returns to the terminal, it is relatively easy and should be free of charge to change the destination, but things can get very messy and confusing once the container enters the terminal.

POD changes are sometimes better after the vessel sails than at the port because sometimes when you move one container from one terminal to the other - the terminal will charge you extra if your container is stacked on the bottom of the container and these charges can easily add up to the cost of one booking. Another strategy is to roll the booking onto the next vessel and pay demurrage charges.

So don't be too hasty on changing the destination. Think of the many options that you have before moving forward.

By LogisticsMD — On Feb 27, 2012

I'm writing this in pieces now.

NVOCCs and F/Fs will release the cargo upon payment. I'm guessing you used a F/F so the bill of lading in possession is not an SSL Original B/L; it has to say Happag-lloyd, MOL, Maersk, APL or some other big carriers' logo printed on the B/L.

At which point the cargo can be picked up from the container yard and into a bonded warehouse.

If you had an actual original B/L and you have in possession three original copies with the SSL logo printed on it. Then your cargo should not have been released. With originals, the B/Ls must be released by surrendering the originals back to the carrier for a telex or Seaway bill release. If that is not done, then the importer cannot pick up the container from the container yard at the terminal.

After it is released the importer can arrange dreyage to pick up the cargo into the bonded warehouse.

After the release, the Original B/L is quite useless. The customs officer will probably check a copy of the B/L to make sure the cargo is OK for clearance, but other than that you have to trust your customer to pay you for your goods.

By LogisticsMD — On Feb 27, 2012

@charlsaj: You probably used an NVOCC or Freight forwarder and what you have in possession is not an Original B/L, but a House B/L. If it doesn't have the steam ship line logo on it, then it's not an original.

If the product was already released by the steam ship line (SSL) then the product is officially in possession of your importer as it was received into the bonded warehouse.

OBLs are only useful for the release of the cargo to the importer.

By charlsaj — On Feb 22, 2012

Please, someone answer my question. We did one shipment to Itajai Port, Brazil and the original documents are still with us. While checking the shipping line website, it shows the cargo is out for delivery.

We didn't give any Bank Guarantee Release nor any sort of confirmation to release the cargo without submitting the original bill of lading.

How is the cargo taken out, or is it taken to a bonded warehouse? Can the consignee keep the cargo in a bonded warehouse in Brazil without the original bill of lading? Can they take the cargo from a bonded warehouse to their production center without the original bill of lading? Please advise.

By LogisticsMD — On Feb 06, 2012

@anon243696: Receive booking request from Consignee (port of loading, destination, case count, product, EIN (if new). Send booking request to Carrier. Receive container number and seal number from dreyage (if your consignee is handling it, and wait for them to send it to you. If you're handling the dreyage then ask the CFS for those numbers)

AES filing: Issue the draft BL non-neg, receive approval from consignee. Issue invoice to consignee so you may receive payment.

Pay the carrier to release the cargo via telex or seawaybill, depending on how you have it contracted with the carrier. Once the cargo is released, you are done.

@anon243696: What do you mean by this? Pick up goods at CFS? At CY? At the Discharge port? At the Destination? Are we talking about custom clearance? Terminal handling charges? Prepaid or collect charges?

Please be more specific.

A container is picked up at CFS then dropped off at the appropriate terminal. There the container is loaded onto the vessel to the discharge port. Once the container is discharged it will enter into a bonded warehouse where the inspectors can examine the products and clear customs.

In this case, is the shipper the client? Or the consignee the importer? if that is so, then look up at question no. 1.

Regarding the co-loader? Again, what do you mean by this? A co-loader is an NVOCC like a freight forwarder like yourself. The only difference is that they handle a larger volume so they're able to get rates cheaper than most F/Fs. NVOCCs unlike F/Fs can issue their own B/L, however, they still need to issue a regular ocean B/L to the carrier; they do this so they can hide the charges and the carrier they use.

If you are an F/F getting bookings from NVOCCs go back to question no. 1, but you're going to be the client side feeding information to the NVOCC so they can issue the B/L.

Regarding Cy-cy and cy-dr and passing the B/L. Depending on the type of B/L, the original or seaway bill, the B/L will not have to go anywhere or pass onto anywhere. Again, I don't know what you mean by this. Please be more specific. The Cy-CY scenerio and CY-DR case are very similar. Both cases the cargo has to be released at the time of discharge, not destination. The cargo will be delivered by the carrier from port to bonded warehouse.

By LogisticsMD — On Feb 06, 2012

@anon243657: You need to clarify more on this issue, but hope this helps.

You need to first set up a company because you need to report your earned income via commission. If you live in the U.S. then an S-corp will suffice in this case. Get your tax documents ready and then start becoming a "middle-man sales rep".

You can do cash against Documents and have the bill of lading made as an Original. That way even if they receive import documents or copies of the import documents, the importer will not be able to pick up the cargo without the original bill of lading.

By LogisticsMD — On Feb 06, 2012

@anon242307: Sorry for the late response. I'm busy at work.

Express bills of lading mean that the product is already released and the cargo will be ready to be picked up at the CY once the ship arrives at the port. Only the original B/L needs to be signed either by the consignor, notify party, or consignee, and on the front or the back. Usually, the only person that who to sign it is the person who endorses the product -- the importer in this case.

I'm guessing you are doing a letter of credit via bank to bank cash against document transfers. In most cases, people will use original B/Ls as collateral. If the consignee doesn't receive the original B/Ls, they won't be able to retrieve the cargo from the port. Hope this helps.

By anon243696 — On Jan 29, 2012

@LogisticsMD: I just started interning at a freight forwarder company with no background knowledge of f/f business. So most of the time I didn't know what they were doing and most of the time they were busy and I just couldn't get the whole thing straight in my head. Can you please give me a general idea what the flow is like? What is the procedure from shipper going through f/f to consignee pick up the goods? What is the procedure going through a co-loader? cy-cy and cy-dr how is the b/l passed from the agents to the broker to the customer? There are so many parties involved I'm really confused about the general flow and what procedures are like. Please help!

By anon243657 — On Jan 29, 2012

I want to know about collection of payments from Buyers. I don't have my own company but I have buyers who are ready to buy products on my behalf. Please tell me what should I do?

By anon242307 — On Jan 23, 2012

I am an accountant and I am verifying the correct procedure of a company.

In a contract for the accountant of the stock for a product located in the USA and then sent to Europe, I have to verify the bill of lading to find out if the document is correct or not.

The document is a combined bill of lading (express bill lading) with this specification "Number of orginals bill of lading: 0"

The question is the following one: given that 0 implies no original is required, do I need a copy signed, anyway? Because the document I see is not signed. Thanks.

By LogisticsMD — On Dec 29, 2011

What is a b/l? Is it issued by the shipper or consignee?

A) Think of a bill of lading like a receipt. When you have a product shipped from point A to point B you receive a bill of lading as proof that the product was shipped. Bills of lading are issued by the company that ships your product (e.g., freight forwarder or carrier). Your shipper or consignee doesn't have to do anything. It's the people who physically move your cargo who will give you the bill of lading.

By anon236761 — On Dec 26, 2011

What is a b/l? Is it issued by the shipper or consignee?

By LogisticsMD — On Dec 21, 2011

Bill of Lading 101: Lifespan of an ocean B/L

First, it is decided whether the B/L is going to be an original or seaway bill (express). This is decided by you and your carrier or your freight forwarder and your carrier.

Then we begin with the non-negotiable draft. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a release confirmation of the cargo via original or SWB.

If it is SWB, it is already released. Express release is another term used by NVOCCs, but the process is essentially the same. You pay the NVOCC and they will release it via SWB through the carrier. Your SWB is the receipt.

If it is original, you will need to give the original documents to the carrier (this must be endorsed with a signature on the back). This way takes a day and you will receive an email from the carrier with the Telex release confirmation. This telex release is your receipt and confirmation that your cargo will be released upon arrival.

By LogisticsMD — On Dec 07, 2011

"Is it mandatory that a Bill of Lading have Notify Party information if it is the same as the Consignee?"

The answer is No. In fact, you can have the Notify Party as the "Consignee" and have the Consignee part say "To the Order of Shipper". This works perfectly fine. If you're a third party broker and want to be notified of the vessel arriving via arrival notice you can have the third party addressee be the Notify party.

Most B/Ls will have the Consignee information the same as the Notify Party. This is how I would do it if I were to go through a freight forwarder.

By anon231389 — On Nov 24, 2011

Is it mandatory that a Bill of Lading have Notify Party information if it is the same as the Consignee?

By LogisticsMD — On Nov 10, 2011

More answers:

What are the procedural follow ups to export?

A) First and foremost you must have a corporation, set up exporter's license (you can find this on your government website). Depending on the type of commodity there are certain rules and regulations from packing, labeling, stamps, etc. Some countries will have bans on products coming from certain processing and packing plants so you have to be careful and read export and import regulations for each country.

"Problems during delivering of cargo" does the loi (letter of indemnity) replace the bill of lading (b/l)"

What sort of problems? If you were more specific with your questions then I can actually give you some insight.

By LogisticsMD — On Nov 10, 2011

More answers:

Performing vsl is a chartered ship.

Gencon b/l with consignee "to order" and not arrived..."

A) Let me see what you're trying to get at here. The product is sold to consignee therefore the consignee is the only one who can pick up the cargo. The notify party is usually the third party (can be freight forwarder or trader) and has absolutely nothing with the cargo.

If you are trying to change the consignee information at the very last minute to import cargo then you must fix the manifest data of the bill of lading (you have to contact the carrier to change the data).

LOI is probably not sufficient in this case, however, the results will vary depending on the country of import and customs rules and regulations.

At times, you may get lucky with a lenient customs officer and clear customs, but sometimes it won't.

"The person with the ownership of bill of lading. what is meant by this. Is it consignee or consignor?"

A) This depends on the type of bill of lading. If it is original and you the consignor have the originals in the hand, then the consignor is owner until the cargo is released. If you go through a NVOCC or freight forwarder then the consignor doesn't have ownership the NOVCC/FF has the ownership.

"Can the shipping line release cargo to notify party without informing the consignee"

A) A shipping line cannot release cargo to notify party - they are not the consignee. Cargo can only be released to the consignee.

By anon228830 — On Nov 10, 2011

More answers:

"Please I have some goods to be shipped from London, UK to India. And the term says FOB London port."

A) When you present a B/L with LC the way you issue the B/L is a little different. There are different types of LCs, but whatever contract that is written between the two banks you have to follow the instructions word for word down to the case count, weight, consignor, and consignee address - you may however add your own information as the notify party - if you are a trader.

If you contracted and sold a freight as FOB London port then you don't need to do any of the freight forwarding work. That is up to your consignee to decide. If you contract and bought freight as FOB London port and contracted out CIF destination to your consignee then you must ship out the product for them and use the Original bill of lading as collateral for LC.

When the consignee pays to the bank for the documents, the documents will be released to your consignee which the consignee can release the cargo themselves.

By anon228625 — On Nov 09, 2011

I am bored so I'm going to answer a few more questions. I wish people would write with better grammar and spelling. It would help me understand what exactly you're trying to get at.

How do I issue a bill of lading and what is the procedure for a bill of lading? This is a silly question. I'm guessing you're starting your own trucking business?

A bill of lading can be made with excel, and depending on the cargo you are shipping there are different ways to present this information.

For trucks, you must indicate the shipper address (that's you), consignee, truck container number, product, product harmonized code, net weight, gross weight, case count. You also have to indicate the payment method, like whether it is going to be collected upon arrival or prepaid, etc.

By anon228624 — On Nov 09, 2011

Let me help you answer most of these questions:

How many days after loading a cargo container of a ship, the carrier issues B/L ?

They should give you the B/L the day of ETD. Some will provide you with proofs before the ETD.

What is the difference between a bill of lading and a Waybill?

A bill of lading is non-released cargo. Waybill is auto released cargo. Usually, carriers will issue a bill of lading - non-negotiable as a proof and after the payment has been made they can either Telex release or send a waybill to notify you that the cargo will be released upon arrival.

What is meant by the shipper has already surrendered the bill of lading?

This means you should have received a Telex Release to let you know that the original bill of lading has been released to the carrier and that the cargo will be released upon arrival.

"We paid a company s&h to ship goods to my husbands company... What are our options in having this corrected?"

You have to file a claim to the company that shipped your product and tell them that it was their fault of issuing a bad B/L - when the freight was prepaid and was written as "collect" on the B/L. I'm assuming this is truck delivery.

"I have a problem where TNT have lost my original Bill Of Lading."

You tell the carrier that the original B/L has been destroyed on accident and they must reissue another set of original documents. If you ask nicely, they will print you new originals and tell them your situation. Be honest.

"In FOB incoterms, Carrier has made an error in the bill of lading..."

If it was C&F the Carrier is responsible. If FAS, the shipper is responsible. If FOB, the shipper is responsible.

Explain the need for bonded warehouses.

I don't know why this is here. Products that are imported must go into bonded warehouses where an inspector can inspect the products and clear customs.

Explain the difference between a bill of lading and express bl.

An express B/L is prepaid by the freight forwarder. Normally, you would have to pay to release the cargo, but when it is express the cargo is paid for by the freight forwarder.

By anon228618 — On Nov 09, 2011

I understand you can assign one booking number for multiple containers and one b/l for multiple containers.

Before, I was doing one booking per one B/L, but recently I found out that each B/L has a handling fee for both the exporter and importer.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having multiple containers on one B/L?

By anon176486 — On May 16, 2011

how is the shipping bill presented.

By anon150777 — On Feb 08, 2011

For switch BL, can we change the details of the consignee, shipper, port of loading, port of discharge?

By anon146807 — On Jan 27, 2011

what are the remedies to a buyer from a wrongful issuing of a bill of lading?

By anon132492 — On Dec 07, 2010

I would like to know the meaning of Linner out in bill of leading.

By anon100955 — On Aug 01, 2010

can you tell me what is bol charter freight, etc.? Please tell me

By anon100426 — On Jul 30, 2010

how do I issue a bill of lading and what is the procedure for a bill of lading?

By anon94235 — On Jul 07, 2010

Please clarify for me what is the different of House Bill of lading and Mater Bill of Lading? What is the consequence or impact if using house bill of lading for CFR?

By anon92585 — On Jun 29, 2010

Kindly explain what is different between a bill of lading and express bl.

By anon89227 — On Jun 09, 2010

Does your freight forwarder have to provide you with the airway bills?

By anon88993 — On Jun 08, 2010

Can someone in the house tell me the difference between an Airway bill and a Bill of Lading.

Why is the ownership of a bill of lading not endorsable or transferable while that of Airway bill does?

By anon88158 — On Jun 03, 2010

Explain the need for bonded warehouses.

By anon86955 — On May 27, 2010

I'm going to start a freight forwarding company and need to register a House Bill of lading in my company name. Please help me to register the House bill of lading and tell me where i need to register.

Ramesh

By anon86642 — On May 26, 2010

Please let me know about the vessels?

By anon82742 — On May 07, 2010

how to issue a bill of lading?

By anon74255 — On Apr 01, 2010

which procedure should follow for frozen exports and how can I save some extra expense?

By anon70267 — On Mar 13, 2010

In FOB incoterms, Carrier has made an error in the Bill of lading, which lead to demurrage charges at the destination. Who is responsible for this charge, Seller, Buyer or Carrier?

By anon65983 — On Feb 16, 2010

i want to export steel from india. Please let me know about the basic procedure like LC and FOB.

By gsk — On Feb 02, 2010

what is isf filing?

By anon61392 — On Jan 19, 2010

what are the procedural followups to export?

By anon60118 — On Jan 12, 2010

I want to know what is the procedure of shipment? I mean if I send a container from country to country so please explain me A to Z. I'll be thankful to you.

By anon60096 — On Jan 12, 2010

the bill of lading has been lost by the forwarder. can you tell me who is responsible to issue a new bill of lading then?

By anon59219 — On Jan 07, 2010

I am confused. What bill of lading do i give to my appointed agent overseas! Who will send my containers back to India with their cargo!

I thought of sending the same bills of lading which i have sent in the past or i may process this, based on a bill of lading?

By anon53495 — On Nov 22, 2009

What does the term "negotiable document" mean?

By anon50591 — On Oct 29, 2009

in response to 30 and 27, i hope it is not too late. to amend the terms, if it will be shipped from london (same applies for nagos) it cannot be named as London FOB, the incoterms should be either FOB London or CIF India (i.e.nhava sheva). first one technically means the shipper will bear all the responsibility after the goods are on board at the origin port,latter one means shipper will bear all the responsibility until the goods are off-board at the port of destination. Please do not confuse incoterms with payment terms. for payment process generally, unless otherwise agreed, the consignee is charged for the freight when it is FOB, and the shipper is charged when CIF.

By anon46096 — On Sep 22, 2009

I am holding now an invoice, purchase orders and bill of lading. The delivery term is FOB Japan and payment term is 30 days due net by telegraphic transfer after delivery of spare parts and invoice. My question is when will be the invoice be due? When shall I pay this invoice? Invoice date is the eighth of the month and Bill of lading date of issue is the twelfth of the same month.

By anon43596 — On Aug 30, 2009

what is the difference between a bill of entry and bill of lading? --Md. Ataour Rahaman

By anon43137 — On Aug 26, 2009

Please I have some goods to be shipped from London, UK to India. And the term says FOB London port. who will be issued the BOL because the payment instrument is an LC against documents. I need to understand something here, knowing that the buyer will be paying for the freight. And i need to tender the BOL to receive my payment.

By anon42258 — On Aug 20, 2009

Please I have some goods to be shipped from Lagos, Nigeria to Israel. And the term says FOB Lagos port. who will be issued the BOL because the payment instrument is an LC against documents. I need to understand something here, knowing that the buyer will be paying for the freight. And i need to tender the BOL to receive my payment. I need a serious explanation. Thanks

By fmccarville — On Aug 17, 2009

I have a problem where TNT have lost my original Bill Of Lading. My products from China have arrived in the UK, but i cannot get them as the shipping company needs the original bill of lading. What do i need to do to get my cargo released?

By fmccarville — On Aug 17, 2009

can a carrier in whose warehouse the goods are kept release the goods without the bill of lading on the directions by the company?

By fmccarville — On Aug 17, 2009

Problems during delivering of cargo" does the loi (letter of indemnity) replace the bill of lading (b/l)

By anon37559 — On Jul 20, 2009

can a carrier in whose warehouse the goods are kept release the goods without the bill of lading on the directions by the company?

By anon37250 — On Jul 18, 2009

what is the difference between negotiable and non negotiable bill of lading?

By dolamoitra — On Jun 01, 2009

please tell me the difference between negotiable & non-negotiable document?

what is difference between non-negotiable document and seaway bills?

what is difference between bill of lading and sea way bill?

By anon27191 — On Feb 25, 2009

Can an ocean bill of lading have 'NIL' originals issued at origin? Does this deem it to be an Express release? Can consignee obtain delivery against a non-negotiable copy, as NIL originals were issued?

By DONx1234567 — On Feb 07, 2009

please tell me what is different between non-negotiable and seaway bills.

By anon23082 — On Dec 16, 2008

"Problems during delivering of cargo" does the loi (letter of indemnity) replace the bill of lading (b/l)""

By anon22505 — On Dec 04, 2008

what is "clean" and "clause" bill of lading?

By dumy — On Nov 12, 2008

Can the shipping line release cargo to Notify Party without informing the consignee if the Bill of Lading indicates 2 different parties as consignee and notify party (eg. consignee is coy. ABC and Notify Party is coy. XYZ). The Original Bill of Lading has been surrendered at Port of Loading.

By anon21128 — On Nov 10, 2008

Need to know who is the owner of a House B/L & Ocean B/L ??

By anon20264 — On Oct 28, 2008

Actually a through bill of lading can be used for an ocean shipment, as long as the carrier arranges for transportation from the shippers site through to the consignees delivery site

By anon18844 — On Sep 30, 2008

We paid a company s&h to ship goods to my husbands company, the shipment was received and the warehouseman signed for the invoice showing "prepaid" and zero balance. We just received a bill stating my husbands company owes for that pick up and delivery. We contacted the freight co to let them know the company we dealt with is responsible since we paid them s&h. The freight co states the BOL is a legal document and can not be changed. It's a fact the BOL was set up incorrectly having my husbands company the bill to party. What are our options in having this corrected?

By anon18491 — On Sep 24, 2008

Whether the Master of the vessel can deliver the goods without production of original bill of lading duly endorsed by the consignee.

Whether after unloading of goods at destination can the shipper issue fresh Bill of lading of the same no and date, in the name of other consignee.

By shuping — On May 25, 2008

what is meant by the shipper already surrendered the bill of lading?

By anon12642 — On May 11, 2008

pls explain. where do i register my bill of lading for imports into India

By anon12562 — On May 09, 2008

I would like to know about the terms & procedure to start of NVOCC like registration in India, port, DGFT, Shipping Line, customs or any govt. authorities..Also let me know the brief details for NVOCC.

By anon11033 — On Apr 07, 2008

the person with the ownership of bill of lading. what is meant by this. Is it consignee or consignor?

By anon10608 — On Mar 30, 2008

What is the difference between Bill of Lading & Waybill

By anon9266 — On Mar 03, 2008

performing vsl is a chartered ship.

gencon b/l with consignee "to order" and not arrived. the charterer request to deliver cgo against LOI, to the receiver which is not the same with notify party. pls tell me whether owners can deliver cgo to the receiver which has no name in b/l. is the LOI sufficient for release cgo.

with many thanks.

By anon4614 — On Oct 25, 2007

How many days after loading a cargo container of a ship, the carrier issues B/L ?

By anon3943 — On Sep 25, 2007

can you please tell me where the bill of lading is registered before issuing to the customer after, accepting his goods for carriage for transportation in the ship?

if i have started my company as an nvocc operator, in INDIA and i have my containers, and do my nvocc operation port to port through my appointed agent, now i must give him my company bill of lading FOR all his biz transactions.

If in India - I register my company with DG shipping and issue my company bill of lading, this will take care of my export.

What bill of lading i give to my appointed agent overseas? Who will send my containers back to India with their cargo?

pls explain. where do i register my bill of lading for imports into India

By anon2431 — On Jul 11, 2007

Why there can be multiple BOL # assigned to on BOL?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a About Mechanics writer, where she focuses on topics like...
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