
An ebill of lading is a crucial document in freight and shipping that serves as a contract between the shipper, carrier, and recipient. It's a vital record of the goods being transported.
The ebill of lading is a non-negotiable document, meaning it can't be transferred to another party. This is in contrast to a bill of lading, which is negotiable.
A typical ebill of lading includes the shipper's and recipient's details, as well as the goods being transported. This includes the weight, quantity, and description of the goods.
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What is a Bill of Lading?
A bill of lading is a crucial document in the shipping process, and it's essential to understand what it is and how it works. A bill of lading is a legal document that's issued by a transportation company to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried.
This document serves as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the goods at a predetermined destination. It must be signed by an authorized representative from the carrier, shipper, and receiver.
A bill of lading is a document of title, a receipt for shipped goods, and a contract between a carrier and a shipper. It's a critical piece of paperwork that ensures the goods are delivered to the right place and that everyone involved in the shipping process is on the same page.
Here are some key facts about bills of lading:
- A bill of lading is a legal document that's issued by a carrier to a shipper detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried.
- A bill of lading is a document of title, a receipt for shipped goods, and a contract between a carrier and a shipper.
- This document must accompany the shipped goods and must be signed by an authorized representative from the carrier, shipper, and receiver.
- A bill of lading can help prevent asset theft if it's managed and reviewed properly.
- There are several types of bills of lading so it’s important to choose the right one.
Understanding the Basics
A bill of lading is a crucial document in the shipping process. It's a legally binding document that provides the carrier and shipper with all the necessary details to accurately process a shipment.
It has three main functions: it's a document of title to the goods described in the bill of lading, a receipt for the shipped products, and it represents the agreed-upon terms and conditions for the transportation of the goods.
A bill of lading is required to move a freight shipment, and it's a contract between a freight carrier and shipper. It also acts as a document of title.

Here are the three main functions of a bill of lading:
- Document of title to the goods described in the bill of lading.
- Receipt for the shipped products.
- Agreed-upon terms and conditions for the transportation of the goods.
Implementing internal controls, like properly managing and reviewing a bill of lading, can help prevent asset theft and streamline operations.
Example and Purpose
An eBill of Lading serves as a crucial document in the shipping industry, acting as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
It provides a clear record of the goods shipped, including their quantity, weight, and description.
A Bill of Lading's purpose is to confirm the goods have been received by the carrier in good condition.
This document also serves as proof of ownership and insurance, protecting both parties in case of loss or damage.
The eBill of Lading is particularly useful for international trade, streamlining the shipping process and reducing paperwork.
It's a digital version of the traditional paper Bill of Lading, making it more efficient and convenient for all parties involved.
When to Use a Specific Form

You'll want to use a specific bill of lading form based on the transportation method you're using.
For example, if you're using a non-negotiable bill of lading, you should use a specific form that matches this method.
When transporting goods by air, a specific form is required, and you should use the one that's designed for air transportation.
In these cases, the form should be used as specified to ensure everything runs smoothly and according to plan.
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When to Use a Specific Form
Using the right form of bill of lading is crucial for a smooth transportation process. Specific bills of lading forms should be used based on the transportation method.
For example, you might use a specific form if you're shipping goods by air, as this method often requires a unique set of documentation. Specific bills of lading forms should be used based on which method you're using to transport goods.
You might also use a specific form if you're shipping goods by sea, as this method often requires different documentation than land transportation. Here are a few common examples of when to use a specific form.
Specific bills of lading forms can be used when shipping goods by land, but this is less common than using a specific form for air or sea transportation.
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To Order

Using a "To Order" bill of lading can be beneficial when you need to transfer ownership of goods to another party. This type of bill of lading is typically negotiable.
It allows the transfer of ownership upon endorsement by the party listed as the ultimate consignee on the document. This means that the goods can be transferred to another party without having to physically deliver them.
The bill of lading is often consigned "to order" or "to order of [named] bank" under the terms of a letter of credit.
Automating Bills of Lading
Automating bills of lading can significantly improve the efficiency of your business, just like Freightquote by C.H. Robinson does, by automatically creating them during the quoting and booking process.
The BOL should be provided to the carrier at pickup, as well as attached to the packaged freight, to keep things running smoothly.
The Bottom Line
A bill of lading is a contract issued by a transport company to a shipper that spells out the quantity, type, and destination of the goods being shipped. It serves as a receipt of the shipment and can help prevent the theft of goods being transported.
Choosing the right type of bill of lading is crucial to avoid delays in your shipment. According to the International Trade Administration, a bill of lading is one of the common export documents that need to be prepared.
A bill of lading can help prevent the theft of goods being transported. It's a receipt of the shipment that provides a clear record of the goods being shipped.
Here are some key types of bills of lading mentioned in the International Trade Administration's "Common Export Documents":
- Straight bill of lading
- Order bill of lading
- Shipped on board (SOB) bill of lading
If you don't choose the right type of bill of lading, your shipment will likely be delayed.
Automate BOLs with Freightquote
Automating bills of lading can significantly improve your business efficiency, as Freightquote by C.H. Robinson does by automatically creating BOLs during the quoting and booking process.
The BOL should be provided to the carrier at pickup, as well as attached to the packaged freight. This is a crucial step to ensure that the carrier has all necessary information to complete the delivery.
The carrier delivers the food to the restaurant and the manager compares the information on the bill of lading to what was requested on the PO. This comparison is essential to prevent theft and ensure that the owner pays only for what it ordered and received.
A third employee reconciles the bank statement and makes company deposits, all part of the process to prevent theft and ensure accurate payments.
Freight and Shipping Details
A bill of lading is a critical document in international trade, serving as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It's used to transport goods by sea or land.
The bill of lading typically includes details about the shipment, such as the type of cargo, its weight, and its dimensions. This information helps ensure the cargo is properly loaded and secured.
Freight costs are usually calculated based on the weight and volume of the cargo, as well as the distance it needs to travel. The carrier may also charge extra for services like insurance or customs clearance.
Shipping by sea can be more cost-effective for large or heavy cargo, but it takes longer than land transport. In some cases, air freight may be the fastest option, but it's often the most expensive.
A bill of lading can be used as proof of ownership and insurance for the cargo. This is especially important for high-value or sensitive goods.
Consignee and Port Information
To fill out the consignee section of your eBill of Lading, you'll need to provide the complete information for the final recipient of the shipment. This is crucial for carrier notification purposes.
The consignee is different from the destination, so make sure to fill in their information separately. If the consignee is the same as the destination, you can skip this step.
You can choose from hundreds of contract carriers with our self-service online tools or work directly with a freight expert to find the right carrier for your shipment.
5. Consignee
When shipping goods, it's essential to accurately fill out the consignee information.
The consignee is the final recipient of the shipment, and you'll need to provide their complete information for carrier notification purposes.
You'll typically need to fill out the consignee information if the destination and consignee are different.
This information is crucial for ensuring the shipment reaches the correct person.
To fill out the consignee information, make sure to include the complete details for the recipient of the shipment.
The consignee information is usually filled out on the bill of lading (BOL) or in the online shipping tools provided by the carrier.
Port
The port of discharge is a critical piece of information in international trade. It's the city where the carrier will be delivering the cargo to the consignee.
In order to accurately fill in the port of discharge, you'll need to know the city where the cargo is being shipped to. This information is usually specified in the shipping documents.
The port of discharge is an important detail because it determines the local customs and regulations that will apply to the cargo.
Container and Marks

The container and marks section is an important part of the ebill of lading.
In this section, you'll need to fill in the total number of packages per line item.
This information is crucial for tracking and verifying the contents of the shipment.
You'll also need to note whether the packages are consolidated on a pallet or in an outer container.
The container seal number should be noted as well.
This ensures that the shipment is properly secured and accounted for during transit.
Appendix A to Part 1035—Uniform Straight
The Uniform Straight Bill of Lading is a crucial document in the shipping industry, and it's used to outline the terms and conditions of a shipment. It's a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and it's essential to understand its contents to ensure a smooth and successful delivery.
The Uniform Straight Bill of Lading is not negotiable, and it's received subject to the classifications and tariffs in effect on the date of the bill of lading. The shipper agrees to carry the property to its usual place of delivery at the destination, if on its own road or water line, otherwise to deliver to another carrier on the route to said destination.

The bill of lading includes a table with several columns, including No. packages, Description of articles, special marks, and exceptions, Weight (subject to correction), Class or rate, and Check column. The weight of the shipment is subject to correction, and if the shipment moves between two ports by a carrier by water, the law requires that the bill of lading shall state whether it is "carrier's or shipper's weight."
The shipper is required to state specifically in writing the agreed or declared value of the property, especially if the rate is dependent on value. The agreed or declared value of the property is hereby specifically stated by the shipper to be not exceeding a certain amount per unit of measurement.
Here's a breakdown of the required information:
The shipper must sign the bill of lading to acknowledge the terms and conditions of the shipment, and the carrier shall not make delivery of the shipment without payment of freight and all other lawful charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for bill of lading?
Typically, the shipper (seller) pays for the bill of lading, but arrangements in a free on board (FOB) contract may require the buyer to cover the costs.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/billoflading.asp
- https://www.shippingsolutions.com/blog/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-bill-of-lading-form
- https://www.freightquote.com/how-to-ship-freight/bill-of-lading/
- https://www.icontainers.com/help/how-to-fill-out-a-bill-of-lading/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-X/subchapter-A/part-1035
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