B/L
Bill of Lading
A Bill of Lading (B/L) is the main document for sea freight. The carrier issues it when it takes the goods. It shows who can collect the goods at the destination.
In plain words
The B/L does three jobs. It is a receipt: it shows that the carrier received the goods. It is evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. And it can be a document of title: the person who holds the original B/L can ask for the goods.
The B/L lists the shipper, the consignee (the receiver), the ports of loading and discharge, the ship, the container numbers, and a description of the goods. Check these details carefully, because mistakes can delay customs clearance.
There are different ways to release the cargo. With an original B/L, the carrier usually issues three paper originals, and the consignee must hand in one of them to collect the goods. With a telex release, the shipper gives the originals back at origin, and the carrier releases the cargo electronically. A sea waybill is a similar document, but it is not a document of title.
A B/L issued by a freight forwarder is called a House B/L (HBL). A B/L issued by the shipping line is called a Master B/L (MBL). For road freight, the main transport document is not a B/L but the CMR.
Example from real shipping
An exporter in Istanbul ships a container of textiles from Ambarlı port to a buyer in Valencia. After loading, the shipping line issues the B/L. The buyer pays by bank transfer, and the exporter asks for a telex release. The line releases the cargo in Valencia without paper originals, so the buyer does not have to wait for a courier.
Related terms
- CMRA CMR is the standard transport document for international road freight. It shows that the carrier received the goods, and it travels with the truck.
- DemurrageDemurrage is a fee the shipping line charges when a full container stays at the port longer than the free time. The fee is charged per day.
- ETAETA is the date and time when a ship, truck, or plane is expected to arrive. It is an estimate, so it can change.
- HBL / MBLA Master B/L (MBL) is issued by the shipping line to the freight forwarder. A House B/L (HBL) is issued by the forwarder to the real shipper of the goods.
- Sea WaybillA sea waybill is a sea transport document that is not a document of title. The consignee named on it can collect the goods without presenting an original.
- eBLAn eBL is the digital version of a paper Bill of Lading. It does the same jobs, but it moves between companies electronically instead of by courier.
- FBLThe FBL is a standard Bill of Lading created by FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders. A freight forwarder issues it, and it can cover a journey with more than one mode of transport.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.