Bill of Lading (B/L)
The document that acts as receipt for cargo, evidence of the contract of carriage, and (when negotiable) document of title.
- Category
- Cargo and Operations
- Abbreviation
- B/L
- Dictionary entry
- Bill of Lading
- Last reviewed
How it works
A bill of lading (B/L) serves three roles: it is the carrier’s receipt for the goods loaded, evidence of the contract of carriage, and, in negotiable form, a document of title that can transfer ownership of the cargo while it is in transit.
Whoever holds an original negotiable bill is entitled to take delivery of the cargo, which is why B/Ls are central to trade finance and to disputes over delivery without production of the original.
Where it shows up on The Maritime
Also known as: B/L, bill of lading, BOL.
The short dictionary definition is at Dictionary entry: Bill of Lading. This page is the explainer.
Related terms
Charter Party (C/P)
The contract between shipowner and charterer setting out the terms of hiring a vessel or carrying a cargo.
Ship-to-Ship Transfer (STS)
The transfer of cargo directly between two vessels moored alongside, often at anchor or offshore rather than at a terminal.
More cargo and operations terms
A plain-English reference definition: our own explanation of a standard shipping concept, not a licensed source or legal advice. See the full glossary or the broader maritime dictionary.
Last reviewed: .