Bills of Lading are crucial documents in international shipping and trade. They serve as evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier and provide important information about the goods being transported. There are various types of Bills of Lading, each with unique features and purposes. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive list of different types of Bills of Lading to help you better understand their functions and uses.
- Inland bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is used for the transportation of goods within a single country, typically by road, rail, or inland waterway. The form typically includes information about the shipper, consignee, carrier, and the goods being transported within a single country. The form filling process may involve verifying the accuracy of the shipment details, including the origin and destination of the goods. The form structure may include sections for the shipper and carrier to sign and date the document.
- Ocean bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is used for the transportation of goods by sea, typically in international trade. The form typically includes information about the shipper, consignee, carrier, and the goods being transported by sea in international trade. The form filling process may require additional information, such as the port of loading and discharge, and may involve compliance with international regulations such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The form structure may include sections for the shipper, carrier, and consignee to sign and date the document.
- Through bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is used for the transportation of goods through multiple modes of transport, such as by sea, rail, and road. The form typically includes information about the shipper, consignee, carrier, and the goods being transported through multiple modes of transport. The form filling process may require additional information, such as the different carriers involved in the transport chain and the specific routes used. The form structure may include sections for each carrier involved in the transport chain to sign and date the document.
- Air waybill: This type of bill of lading is used for the transportation of goods by air, typically in international trade. The form typically includes information about the shipper, consignee, carrier, and the goods being transported by air in international trade. The form filling process may require compliance with international regulations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. The form structure may include sections for the shipper, carrier, and consignee to sign and date the document.
- Multimodal bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is used for the transportation of goods through multiple modes of transport, and serves as a single document that covers the entire transport chain. The form serves as a single document that covers the entire transport chain, and typically includes information about the shipper, consignee, carrier, and the goods being transported through multiple modes of transport. The form filling process may require additional information, such as the different carriers involved in the transport chain and the specific routes used. The form structure may include sections for each carrier involved in the transport chain to sign and date the document.
- Charter party bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is used in cases where a shipper has chartered an entire vessel for the transportation of goods, and serves as a contract between the shipper and the vessel owner. The form serves as a contract between the shipper and the vessel owner, and typically includes information about the terms and conditions of the charter party agreement, as well as the goods being transported. The form filling process may require additional information about the vessel and the specific terms of the charter party agreement. The form structure may include sections for the shipper, vessel owner, and consignee to sign and date the document.
- Liner bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is used in cases where a shipper has booked a portion of space on a vessel, and serves as a receipt for the goods being shipped.
- Clean bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is issued when the goods being shipped are in good condition and free from damage or defects. The form typically includes a statement indicating that the goods are in good condition and free from damage or defects, as well as the name and address of the consignor and consignee, a description of the goods being shipped, the date of shipment, and the signature of the carrier or its agent.
- Claused bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is issued when the goods being shipped are damaged or defective, and includes a clause or notation indicating the nature and extent of the damage. The form typically includes a statement indicating the nature and extent of the damage or defect, as well as the name and address of the consignor and consignee, a description of the goods being shipped, the date of shipment, and the signature of the carrier or its agent.
- Stale bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is issued when the goods being shipped have not been loaded onto a vessel within a specified period of time, and may be subject to additional fees or penalties. The form typically includes a statement indicating that the goods have not been loaded within the specified period of time, as well as the name and address of the consignor and consignee, a description of the goods being shipped, the date of shipment, and the signature of the carrier or its agent.
- Express bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is issued when the goods being shipped are of high value, and requires the carrier to deliver the goods to the consignee named on the bill of lading. The form typically includes a statement indicating that the goods are of high value and that the carrier is required to deliver the goods to the named consignee, as well as the name and address of the consignor and consignee, a description of the goods being shipped, the date of shipment, and the signature of the carrier or its agent.
- Order bill of lading: This type of bill of lading is issued to a named consignee, but can be transferred to another party by endorsement and delivery of the document. The form typically includes the name and address of the consignor and consignee, a description of the goods being shipped, the date of shipment, and the signature of the carrier or its agent.
Understanding the different types of Bills of Lading is essential for anyone involved in international trade and shipping. Each type serves a specific purpose and includes unique features that can have a significant impact on the transportation of goods. By familiarizing yourself with the various types of Bills of Lading, you can ensure that your shipments are properly documented and avoid potential problems that may arise from incorrect or incomplete documentation. We hope that this comprehensive guide has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of the different types of Bills of Lading and their uses.