A bill of lading is a carrier-issued shipping document that records the goods received for carriage and the applicable transport terms. Depending on its form and governing rules, it may operate as a receipt, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document controlling delivery of the goods.
Quick reference for Bill of lading
| Check | What it means for the transaction |
|---|---|
| Category | Trade and logistics |
| Record to keep | Keep the agreed term, named place, shipment reference, carrier event, cost allocation and delivery evidence when they apply. |
| Do not infer | A delivery term does not settle payment timing, transfer of title or regulatory responsibility unless the contract says so. |
Bill of lading and nearby terms
- Incoterms: Incoterms are eleven standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce for contracts involving the sale of goods.
