Types of Bill of Lading: What to know

The bill of lading serves as the legal title document that enables the owner to claim ownership of the cargo, as was covered in our previous article. Acting as a contract, receipt, and record of title, the bill of lading (BOL) is an essential document for international shipping.

Types of Bill of Lading

Bills of Lading are categorized into different forms, all of which are used to serve a different purpose. These include:

Order Bill of Lading:

An Order Bill of Lading is transferable and can be endorsed to a third party, granting the holder legal ownership of the goods. It is commonly used in transactions to ensure payment security, as ownership is transferred upon delivery and payment.

Sea Waybill

A Sea Waybill cannot be given to another person. It is usually utilized in situations where the shipper and consignee have a background of trust." While the sea waybill can be used as a contract and a receipt, it is not a document of title and has limited uses.

Telex Bill of Lading Release

When the original bill of lading is not available at the destination, a Telex Release Bill of Lading is issued. Additionally, full payment is needed before the consignee can claim the goods

Conclusion 

In this article we have discussed the different types of bill of lading, and knowing the types of bills of lading is important to ensure safe and prompt shipment. At Gemcode Logistics, we ensure an appropriate type of BOL is issued based on your specific needs, ensuring less risk and smoother shipping processes. Contact us today for seamless pickup, shipping, cargo clearing services.