An original bill of lading is an issued transport document whose properly endorsed original may be required to obtain delivery of the cargo. Depending on its form, it can evidence receipt, contain the contract of carriage and function as a document of title.
Why are originals issued?
Originals allow control over cargo release to follow possession and endorsement of the document. A set may contain multiple numbered originals, but delivery against one valid original generally exhausts the set.
How is cargo released?
The carrier or agent checks the presented document, endorsements and release instructions before delivery. Procedures vary by carrier, port and whether the bill is negotiable.
Original bill vs. sea waybill
A sea waybill is non-negotiable and normally does not require presentation of an original document for release. An original bill of lading can provide documentary control but creates courier, timing and loss risks.
What problems commonly occur?
- Originals arrive after the vessel
- Endorsements are missing or inconsistent
- A document is lost
- Consignee details conflict with instructions
- The shipment is released without proper authority
What should parties agree before shipment?
Confirm the required bill type, number of originals, consignee wording, endorsement route, document courier and release procedure. Trade-finance documents should match the applicable letter-of-credit terms.
