What is a bill of lading?
Short answer
A bill of lading (B/L) is the shipping line's document confirming they've received your goods for transport. It acts as a receipt, a contract of carriage and, in its original form, a document of title, which is needed to release the cargo at destination.
The detail
Common types are original bills (paper, passed to the consignee), telex releases (released electronically once paid) and sea waybills (no original needed).
Mistakes on the B/L, such as wrong consignee details or weights, can delay release, so check the draft carefully before it's issued.
We review drafts with you to make sure everything matches your invoice and packing list.
Written by the 365 Freight team · Last reviewed . General guidance only, so check the specifics for your shipment.Want us to look at your shipment?No job is too small. We reply within one working day.
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