BILL OF LADING
A B/L error can delay cargo release, customs clearance or collection. The key data should be checked against the commercial invoice, packing list and forwarder instructions.
A Bill of Lading is a transport document used in ocean freight. It records receipt of the cargo for carriage and describes the parties, route and shipment. Depending on the type, it may also function as a document of title. In practice, checking only the product name is not enough; the complete data set must be consistent.
Check the shipper, consignee and notify party fields. Names, addresses and identifiers should match the commercial arrangement and customs documentation. The consignee must also be compatible with the agreed release method.
Port of Loading, Port of Discharge and Place of Delivery describe different stages. In multimodal transport, the final delivery location may differ from the discharge port. An incorrect location can affect documentation, pricing and cargo collection.
Compare the cargo description, package count, weight, volume and container type with the invoice and packing list. The description should not contradict customs documents. For machinery, serial numbers may also need to be checked when included in the document set.
Container and seal numbers should match loading records. This is one of the simplest ways to detect a mismatch before departure. These identifiers are removed from the public samples on our website.
Freight Prepaid or Freight Collect records how the ocean freight is charged. Separately confirm whether release will be based on original Bills of Lading, a Sea Waybill or Telex Release instructions.
Do not approve a B/L draft without comparing it with the commercial invoice, packing list, booking and forwarder instructions. Amendments after issuance may cost time and money, so use one controlled specification and record every change.
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