Shipping · 05
Bill of lading (BL)
The sea-freight receipt and contract of carriage. An original ‘to order’ BL is also the title to the goods.
- BL no.
- XYZL0000000001
- Shipper
- Sharma Agro Exports, Indore
- Consignee
- To order of Example Bank PJSC, Dubai
- Notify
- Al Noor Foodstuff LLC, Dubai
- Vessel / voyage
- MV Example Star / 001E
- Port of loading
- Nhava Sheva, India
- Port of discharge
- Jebel Ali, UAE
- Shipped on board
- 08 Jan 2099
- Freight
- Prepaid
- Issued by
- The shipping line or its agent, or a freight forwarder (house BL)
- Used in
- Exports and imports
Why it matters
Whoever holds the original negotiable BL can take the goods at the destination. That is why you release it only after payment, or through the bank under DP or LC.
What goes on it
- Shipper, consignee (or ‘to order’) and notify party
- Vessel, voyage, port of loading and discharge
- Container and seal numbers, packages, weight
- ‘Shipped on board’ date, freight prepaid or collect
- Number of originals issued (usually three)
Avoid these mistakes
- Check the draft BL before it is issued. Corrections after issue cost money and time.
- A telex release or seaway bill lets the buyer take goods without an original — agree it only once you are paid.
- Under an LC, the BL date must fall within the latest shipment date in the LC.
Sources (1)
More shipping documents
All documents →- ShippingBothCommercial invoiceThe final bill you raise on the overseas buyer. Customs in India and in the buyer's country both read it.
- ShippingBothPacking listA package-by-package list of what is inside the shipment, with weights and sizes.
- ShippingExportShipping billThe export declaration to Indian Customs. Goods cannot leave India until customs gives Let Export Order (LEO) on it.