Logistics terms · Logistics terms
What does Bill of lading (B/L) mean in logistics?
Short answer
The document issued by an ocean carrier or its agent that acts as a receipt for goods, evidence of the contract of carriage and, when negotiable, a document of title. Whoever holds the original negotiable B/L can take delivery at destination.
Letters of credit in Indian trade typically require a clean on-board negotiable B/L. Where title transfer is not needed, a sea waybill avoids the delays of couriering originals. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.
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The numbers behind this answer
- Also called
- B/L, BL, OBL
- Category
- EXIM & customs
- Related terms
- House vs master bill of lading, Sea waybill, NVOCC, FOB (Free On Board)
Related questions
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- What does Railway receipt (RR) mean in logistics?
- What does Sea waybill mean in logistics?
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