InsightsContact LVTBill of Lading (B/L)
What is Bill of Lading (B/L)?
A bill of lading (B/L) is the transport document for ocean freight. It is a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage and – as an original – a document of title giving the right to collect the goods.
Also called: B/L, BOL, ocean bill of lading
The shipping line or forwarder issues the B/L when the goods are received or loaded. An original B/L can be transferred and used in trade and bank finance, e.g. with letters of credit.
Alternatives include the Sea Waybill, which does not have to be presented in original to collect the goods, and telex release, where the originals are surrendered at origin.
For consolidated cargo (LCL), there is a Master B/L from the shipping line and a House B/L from the forwarder.