Documentation
How to Read a Bill of Lading (B/L): Key Fields Explained
6 min read
A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper. It serves three roles at once: a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title. Reading it correctly protects you from disputes and release problems.
The three functions of a B/L
- Receipt: confirms the carrier received the described goods in apparent good order.
- Contract of carriage: sets out the terms under which goods are transported.
- Document of title: the holder of an original B/L can claim the goods.
Key fields to check
- Shipper, consignee and notify party: confirm names and addresses are exactly correct.
- Port of loading and discharge: verify they match the booking.
- Description of goods, marks and numbers: must match the commercial invoice and packing list.
- Container and seal numbers: cross-check against the physical shipment.
- Freight terms: whether freight is prepaid or collect.
Original B/L vs Telex Release vs Seaway Bill
An original B/L must be physically surrendered at destination to release the cargo, which adds security but also courier time. A telex release lets the carrier release goods without the physical original once the shipper surrenders it at origin. A sea waybill is non-negotiable and does not require surrender, speeding up release for trusted trading partners.