8 Typical Bills of Lading Types by Mode of Transportation
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The eight different bills of lading kinds are broken down as per the mode of transportation. Are your items being transported by truck, rail, sea, or air? Depending on the mode of transportation, bills of lading have different conditions and formats.
An ocean bill of lading is issued when items are transported by ship. The Federal Maritime Commission oversees ocean freight to or from the United States (FMC).
In a straight bill of lading, the buyer's customs broker is designated as a "Notify Party," and it's an unalterable B/L form directly committed to the buyer. The carrier issues three original Bills of Lading, one of which the consignee must endorse for cargo release.
An "order" bill of lading is addressed "to order" or "to order of [a party]" rather than being consigned to the buyer. If endorsed, the carrier will deliver the shipment to the bearer. It's often used when a letter of credit is employed or when goods may be exchanged in transit.
An electronic "telex" release eliminates the need for a physical bill of lading at the destination. It's commonly used when a customer hasn't paid for the goods in full and allows for faster release.
An express bill of lading commits the carrier to transfer goods to the consignee or notify party listed on the document. No original bills are issued, and it speeds up the release of goods.
In air transportation, an air waybill (AWB) cannot be altered and serves as a carriage agreement, cargo receipt, and provides special handling directions if needed.
If items are sent under a letter of credit or the shipper is using their bank for payment, the AWB may be committed to a bank. The consignee must pay the bank before the cargo is released.
Waybills are used for over
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