A bill of lading (B/L) is one of the most important documents in international shipping. It serves as a receipt for the goods, a document of title, and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. Understanding how to read it is essential for smooth logistics operations. Below is a breakdown of the key sections and what they mean:
1. B/L Number
B/L No.: Usually found at the top right corner of the bill. Each carrier or freight forwarder uses its own numbering system, so there is no fixed format or length.
2. Shipper
Shipper: The party that signs the transport agreement with the carrier — often the factory, trading company, or seller. This section includes the name and address of the shipper.
3. Consignee
Consignee: For a straight bill of lading, this is typically the overseas buyer’s company name and address — the party entitled to claim the cargo. Under a letter of credit (L/C), this field often lists the bank’s information.
4. Notify Party
Notify Party: The party to be notified when the cargo arrives at the destination port. In most cases, this is the same as the consignee and can be filled in as “Same as consignee.”
5. Pre-carriage by
Pre-carriage by: The name of the first vessel in a multi-leg transport. If the shipment does not require transshipment, this field is left blank.
6. Place of Receipt
Place of Receipt: The port where the cargo is received for shipment.
7. Ocean Vessel / Voyage No.
Ocean Vessel / Voyage No.: The actual vessel name and voyage number — indicating the ship carrying the goods and its specific sailing schedule.
8. Port of Loading
Port of Loading: The port where the cargo is loaded onto the vessel. If transshipment is involved, the transshipment port may also be indicated.
9. Port of Discharge
Port of Discharge: The port where the cargo is unloaded. For direct shipments, this is the final destination. If the cargo is transshipped and the transshipment port is not listed after the port of loading, it can be added after the destination port.
10. Place of Delivery / Final Destination
Place of Delivery / Final Destination: The actual place where the cargo will be delivered, which may be the same as the port of discharge. For transshipments, this is the final delivery port.
11. Marks & Numbers / Container & Seal No.
Marks & Nos. / Container & Seal No.: The shipping marks and reference numbers printed on the cargo packaging. If no marks exist, enter “M.” The container number and seal number (seal applied to the container) should match the invoice and other shipping documents.
12. No. of Packages or Containers
No. of Packages or Containers: The total number of cartons, pallets, or containers being shipped.
13. Description of Goods
Description of Goods: A description of the cargo and its packaging type.
14. Gross Weight
Gross Weight: The total weight of the cargo including packaging, usually measured in kilograms (KGS).
15. Net Weight
Net Weight: The weight of the goods excluding packaging, also measured in kilograms (KGS).
16. Measurement
Measurement: The total volume of the cargo, usually expressed in cubic meters (CBM).
By understanding these key sections, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders can avoid costly mistakes, ensure accurate documentation, and streamline the customs clearance and delivery process.
