DocumentsB/L
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Also known as: BL, Ocean bill of lading
An ocean transport document issued by the carrier that serves as a contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and document of title to the cargo.
Also known as: BL, Ocean bill of lading
An ocean transport document issued by the carrier that serves as a contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and document of title to the cargo.
The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the most important document in international ocean shipping. It serves three functions: (1) contract of carriage between shipper and carrier; (2) receipt for goods delivered to the carrier; and (3) document of title to the cargo, meaning whoever holds the original B/L has the right to claim the goods at destination. This last feature distinguishes it from other transport documents like the air waybill.
The original Bill of Lading is a negotiable document (document of title). Without the endorsed original, the consignee cannot withdraw goods from the port. In letter of credit transactions, the B/L is one of the documents required by the bank.
In Mexico, the Bill of Lading number is declared in the pedimento and used by customs to identify and track merchandise. The current trend is toward B/L digitization through electronic platforms, reducing time and costs associated with handling physical documents.
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Learn more→Bill of Lading (Ocean)
Maritime transport document serving as a contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and document of title.
DocumentsAir Waybill (AWB)
An air transport document that serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline, covering the shipment of goods by air.
DocumentsTransport Document
A generic document covering the movement of goods by any mode of transport (sea, air, land, or rail) that is an indispensable requirement for customs clearance.
CustomsCustoms Clearance
The complete set of procedures and formalities required for goods to legally enter or exit a country through customs.