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What information is usually included in a bill of lading?
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Carriage of goods
Justinian I, detail of a 6th-century mosaic at the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.
A bill of lading serves as a critical document in the carriage of goods, functioning as a receipt for goods received and as evidence of a contract of carriage.12
While specific requirements can vary, a bill of lading typically includes the following information:
- Goods Details: The document states the quantity, weight, and measurements of the items being shipped, along with other pertinent descriptive information.1
- Condition of Goods: It frequently includes a statement confirming that the goods were received in apparent good order and condition.1
- Receipt Status: It may certify whether the goods were received alongside the vessel (received for shipment) or have been loaded on board (shipped on board).3
- Contractual Terms: It incorporates the terms of the agreement between the carrier and the consignor regarding the transportation of goods to a stated destination.23
- Signatures: The document may be signed by the master of the vessel or by a broker acting as an agent of the carrier.1