Bill of Lading (B/L) is a key document that confirms ownership of a shipment. It is issued by the carrier to the cargo owner and can be used as collateral for obtaining credit against shipped products.
Mandatory details of the bill of lading
The document must contain information confirming the status of the parties to the contract and guaranteeing receipt of the cargo:
- Date of issue.
- Data about the carrier (contacts, name).
- Information about the sender.
- Description of the cargo (weight, dimensions, etc.).
- Number of cargo pieces.
- Point of origin and destination.
- Type of transportation equipment.
- Terms of payment (to be paid by sender or receiver).
Types of bills of lading
Previously, the bill of lading was used exclusively in ocean transportation, but today it is used in transportation by various modes of transportation.
Marine bill of lading
An electronic bill of lading (Sea Waybill, SWB) is often used in sea shipping, which is issued after confirmation of payment for the shipment and entitles the consignee to receive it.
Air waybill
Air Waybill (AWB) Air Waybill (AWB) is used in air transportation. It is analogous to a sea waybill and contains all information about the cargo, shipper, consignee, terms of delivery and payment.
Main types of bills of lading
Different forms of bills of lading are used in international logistics:
- Paper Bill of Lading (Original Bill of Lading, OBL) - An original document that confirms ownership of the cargo. It is sent through a bank or post office and is endorsed prior to release of the shipment.
- Electronic Bill of Lading - A digital version of a document transmitted instantly.
- Telex Release - A copy of the bill of lading (paper or electronic) sent to the carrier via email or telex.
- House Bill of Lading - used to simplify logistics, issued by a shipping agent or freight forwarder and allows the cargo to be cleared.
Important: If the shipper does not have an importer in the sending country or an exporter in the destination country, he will not be able to obtain a bill of lading. The document is issued only by contacting the freight forwarder.
How Grand Logistics Company will simplify the transportation process
The bill of lading is the most important document needed to receive the shipment and prove ownership. Grand Logistics Company takes care of all issues related to its issuance, as well as a full range of logistics services, including transportation, warehousing and document support.
Planning to deliver your cargo abroad or to a client? Leave a request - our specialist will contact you and offer the best solution for your business.
