Skip to contentBill of Lading (B/L)
A transport document acknowledging receipt of cargo and evidencing the carriage contract. Certain bills of lading also function as documents of title.
Understand it in practiceWhere it fits in the journey
Highlighted stages are commonly relevant- 01Agree — commonly relevant
- 02Prepare
- 03Transport
- 04Clear — commonly relevant
- 05Deliver
What to remember
A negotiable original bill, a straight bill and a sea waybill have different release requirements. Agree the document type before shipment.
Arrange release before the ship arrives
If original bills are issued, agree how they will reach the party entitled to take delivery or be surrendered under an approved release process. Sending only a scan does not automatically satisfy the carrier’s requirements.
Give each document its own job
| Document | Main question it answers |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | What was sold, by whom and at what value? |
| Packing list | What is inside each physical package? |
| Transport document | Who carries the goods and how are they released? |
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Before you book
For documents, have these details ready:
- Correct legal parties and shipment references
- Matching product descriptions, pieces and weights
- Required originals, authorizations and release instructions
Further reading
Plain-language educational guidance. The applicable contract, carrier tariff, official rules or insurance policy takes precedence. Illustrations show concepts, not a specific shipment or facility.