Bill of lading

How it is used

Usually shortened to B/L or BL. The carrier or forwarder issues it, the shipper checks the draft, and originals are released, surrendered or sent through the bank. Common types include master and house B/L, original B/L, telex release and sea waybill.

Example sentences

1. The bank will not release payment until it receives the original bill of lading.

2. Please check the draft bill of lading and confirm by noon.

Common collocations

• issue a bill of lading
• original bill of lading
• draft B/L
• clean bill of lading
• telex release

Related terms

• consigneeThe person or company to whom goods are sent and who is entitled to receive them at the destination, as named on the transport document.
• shipperThe person or company that sends goods and hands them over to a carrier, often the seller or exporter named on the transport document.
• air waybillThe transport document for air cargo, issued by the airline or its agent, which serves as a receipt for the goods and as evidence of the contract of carriage.
• CMRThe standard consignment note for international road transport, named after the 1956 Geneva convention (CMR) that sets the rules and the carrier's liability.
• ocean freightThe transport of goods by ship, mostly in containers; the cheapest way to move large volumes over long international distances.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• bill of lading · Maritime & Shipping
• bill of lading · International Trade

More terms: Shipping Documents

• commercial invoice
• packing list
• delivery note
• certificate of origin