What’s in a bill of lading?

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A bill of lading contains information about cargo, including sender and forwarder names, shipment details, and cargo characteristics. It is used to prove ownership and track shipments, document cargo weight and value, provide delivery instructions, and report any damaged items.

A bill of lading (BOL) contains detailed information about cargo that is typically shipped by plane, truck, boat, or train. The sender’s name, as well as the forwarder’s name, is often at the top of a bill of lading. Other relevant information includes characteristics such as the number of pallets contained in the load, the type of product being shipped, and the estimated or exact value of the shipment. Details of the shipment, such as the name of the company carrying the cargo, the date of shipment, and the number of the trailer, vessel or van carrying the shipment, are usually found on a bill of lading.

When a shipment of goods or merchandise leaves a warehouse or factory, the freight owner has one primary method of proving ownership and tracking the shipment of the product: the bill of lading. This small document lists the specifics of the cargo being shipped, such as the type of transportation, the number of items, and the sender or owner of the transportation. The consignee of the goods, the names of the persons who loaded the goods and the name of the driver or driving company moving the goods are also represented on the bill of lading.

Insurance companies and other agencies need to be able to properly track the many types of goods that are shipped around the world. This task is made possible through the use of a bill of lading. The invoice not only shows the exact time the goods were loaded onto the shipping vehicle, it also documents the exact time the goods were unloaded and delivered. The weight of the cargo, as well as the value of the cargo, are also documented for logistical and legal reasons.

Special delivery instructions, delivery address details and a message (BOL) are also included in the bill of lading. A BOL message provides specific instructions to the shipper about steps that must be taken to ensure the cargo arrives safely, such as items that require refrigeration or delicate handling. The comments also concern other handling issues, such as securing boxes to pallets to secure the load. There is also a specific position for the consignee and shipper to describe any broken or damaged items if they are discovered in the cargo.




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