Bill of Lading Template
The carrier's receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title the consignee must surrender to collect the cargo.
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| Marks and Numbers | Container / Seal No. | No. of Pkgs | Kind of Packages | Description of Goods | Gross Weight (KG) | Measurement (CBM) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECEIVED by the Carrier the goods described above in apparent good order and condition unless otherwise stated, to be transported to such place as agreed, authorised or permitted herein and subject to all the terms and conditions appearing on the front and reverse of this Bill of Lading. In accepting this Bill of Lading the Merchant agrees to be bound by all such terms and conditions as if each had individually signed it.
About this document
A bill of lading does three jobs at once, which is why it causes so much trouble. It is the carrier's receipt for the goods, and it is evidence of the contract of carriage. When made out to order it is also a document of title, meaning whoever holds the original can claim the cargo. That third role is why originals are couriered rather than emailed, and why losing one is a serious problem.
Straight, order and bearer bills
A straight bill names a consignee and only that consignee can collect. It is not negotiable. An order bill is made out 'to order' or 'to the order of' a bank, and title passes by endorsement. This is what letters of credit rely on. A bearer bill releases cargo to whoever presents it, which is as risky as it sounds and is rarely used. Choose deliberately: the wrong type can leave a seller shipping goods they no longer control.
The notify party is not the consignee
The notify party is simply who the carrier telephones when the vessel arrives, often a customs broker acting for the buyer. Naming them does not give them any right to the goods. Leaving the box blank is a common cause of demurrage, because nobody is told the container has landed until storage charges have already started accruing.
Said to contain
The cargo description on a container bill is furnished by the shipper, not verified by the carrier. Hence 'said to contain' and 'shipper's load and count'. The carrier is receipting a sealed box, not its contents. This matters when a claim arises: the bill proves a container was handed over, not that it held what you said it did. Your packing list and seal number carry that weight.
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Keep building your document set
- Commercial InvoiceGoods, values and payment details.
- Packing List — DetailedPackages, weights and dimensions.
- Certificate of OriginThe declared origin of your goods.
- Bill of LadingShipper, consignee and cargo details.
- Shipper's Letter of InstructionInstructions for your freight forwarder.
- Verified Gross Mass DeclarationThe verified weight of a packed container.
Questions
+What is the difference between a bill of lading and a waybill?
A sea waybill is a receipt and a contract of carriage but not a document of title, so no original needs to be surrendered. The named consignee simply identifies themselves. That makes waybills faster and safer for shipments between related companies or on open account. Use a bill of lading when title needs to pass with the document, typically under a letter of credit.
+How many original bills of lading are issued?
Conventionally three, described on the face of the document as a 'full set'. Surrendering any one accomplishes delivery and voids the others. Banks under a letter of credit usually require the full set precisely so that no stray original can be used to claim the cargo elsewhere.
+Who signs the bill of lading?
The carrier, or an agent signing expressly on the carrier's behalf. The capacity should be stated, for example 'as agent for the carrier'. A bill signed without a clear capacity can create arguments about who the contracting carrier actually is when a claim is made.
+What is a clean bill of lading?
One with no clause noting defective condition of the goods or packaging. If the carrier records damage, such as wet cartons or broken pallets, the bill is claused. A claused bill will normally be rejected under a letter of credit. This is why the condition of goods at the terminal gate matters commercially, not just physically.
+Can I issue my own bill of lading?
As a shipper, no. The carrier issues it, because it is the carrier's receipt and the carrier's contract. What you can do, and what this generator is for, is prepare the document so the particulars are correct before it goes to the carrier or forwarder for issue. Getting the parties, routing and cargo description right in advance avoids amendment fees later.