Whether you’re the exporter or importer, and regardless of whether the shipment is by sea or air, the Bill of Lading serves as a transportation contract.
In many ways, the Bill of Lading is comparable to an airline boarding pass. You can think of it as the “boarding pass” for the goods being shipped.
In an international maritime shipment, the Bill of Lading answers key logistical questions: what is being shipped, who is involved, why the shipment is being made, how it will be carried out, and when it will take place. That’s why this document always includes the main parties involved in the transport process.
The Bill of Lading typically contains important information such as:
- Type of goods being transported
- Seller or exporter
- Vessel carrying the goods
- Shipping company
- Bill of Lading number
- Freight forwarder
- Shipper
- Consignee or recipient
- Notifications
- And more
The Bill of Lading as a receipt for the goods
At the point of origin, the Bill of Lading confirms the receipt of goods to be transported and acts as proof that the shipper has handed over the cargo to the shipping line in good condition.
The Bill of Lading as proof of ownership
Once the goods reach their destination, the Bill of Lading functions as the title of ownership for the cargo. The consignee listed on the Bill of Lading must present the document to prove they are the legal owner of the goods, allowing the shipping company to release the cargo. In this way, it also serves as evidence of delivery or confirmation of receipt.
