Logistics & shipping
Bill of lading
A transport document issued by a carrier that acts as a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage and a document of title.A bill of lading (B/L) names the shipper, consignee, carrier, ports and the goods carried, and a negotiable B/L can be transferred to pass title to the goods. In customs trade databases the B/L number links a shipment record to its underlying cargo movement.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the functions of a bill of lading?
- It serves as a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and, when negotiable, a document of title.
- What is the difference between a bill of lading and a waybill?
- A bill of lading can be a document of title and negotiable; a sea or air waybill is a non-negotiable transport receipt only.