FAQs
A shipping bill is a document that is used to declare the value, quantity, and type of goods that are being shipped. A bill of lading is a document that is used to acknowledge the receipt of goods and states that the goods will be delivered to the specified party.
Is bill of lading a shipping document? ›
A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document that's issued by a transportation company to a shipper. It details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. A bill of lading also serves as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the goods at a predetermined destination.
What is a shipping bill? ›
An exporter, while sending goods from one country to another has to go through various formalities including submitting various applications, acquiring licenses, paying duties and so on. To acquire a clearance for export, from the Customs, an exporter will have to submit an application called the 'shipping bill'.
What is the difference between a bill of lading and an invoice? ›
The documents serve different purposes. A bill of lading is a shipping document issued by a carrier that outlines the terms of shipment and serves as a receipt of goods, a contract, and a document of title. An invoice is a financial document requesting payment for goods or services provided.
What is the difference between a shipping label and a BOL? ›
The BOL has more information than a standard shipping label, including weight, piece count, freight class, and special instructions. The BOL should be completed and handed to the carrier at the time of pickup. If you are booking your shipments online or through a broker, a BOL will be given to you to print.
What is the difference between lading and shipping bill? ›
What is the difference between the bill of lading and a shipping bill? A shipping bill is a bill for shipment needed for custom clearance while you are exporting products. Bill of lading is issued by the shipping company to the transporter when the transporter loads goods to the ship.
What is the bill of lading also known as? ›
The bill of lading (also known as a BOL, or B/L) is a legal agreement that covers the shipping of goods and products. This document is used by the shipper of the goods (consignor), the receiver of the goods (consignee), and the shipping carrier that actually transports the goods.
Who prepares a bill of lading? ›
A BOL is generally issued by the broker or carrier. It's your job to fill out the bill of lading details on the blank BOL form. Some freight services will allow you to make your BOL for LTL shipments, but for FTL (full truckload) shipments, the shippers must always use their BOL.
What is the difference between bill of export and shipping bill? ›
What is Bill of export? Bill of Export form is very much similar to Shipping bill except that a Bill of export is filed for export from SEZ unit by land whereas a Shipping Bill is filed for export from SEZ unit by air/sea). The “Shipping Bill (SB)” contains the information related to the consignments under export.
What is a shipped bill? ›
A shipping bill is a document that is used to declare the value, quantity, and type of goods that are being shipped. A bill of lading is a document that is used to acknowledge the receipt of goods and states that the goods will be delivered to the specified party. Was this information useful? Thanks for your feedback!
What are the two types of bill of lading?
- Through bill of lading - A document that covers the shipment of goods from the point of origin to the final destination.
- Straight bill of lading - A document that covers the shipment of goods from the point of origin to the final destination without any stops in between.
Who keeps the bill of lading? ›
The bill of lading is typically given to the carrier or driver when it's picked up and is also attached to the freight. Shippers should keep a signed copy of the bill of lading after the carriers receive the shipment for transport. It is considered proof of carrier liability, in case of damage or loss of the freight.
Why are there 3 original bills of lading? ›
Typically three bills are issued—one for the shipper, one for the consignee, and one for the banker, broker, or third party. There is no restriction on the number of bills of lading that can be issued, but the number issued must be stated on the bill.
Is a shipping order a bill of lading? ›
An order Bill of Lading is one of the many other forms of a Bill of Lading. It covers various aspects that are unique to it. It's one of the two negotiable bills of ladings. It declares 'to order' or 'to order of' in the consignee box.
Who pays the bill of lading? ›
In most cases, the shipper (seller) supplies and pays for the BOL, as it acts as a receipt and title to the goods. But if specific arrangements exist between the parties, such as a free on board (FOB) contract, the buyer may be responsible for obtaining and paying for the BOL.
Does FedEx use bill of lading? ›
Decide if you need a liftgate truck for pickup or delivery.
If your recipient needs a liftgate, you can add that to the Bill of Lading. On a FedEx-provided Bill of Lading, check the box at the bottom. You can also write it in the Delivery Instructions box.
Who provides the BOL for a shipment? ›
A BOL is generally issued by the broker or carrier. It's your job to fill out the bill of lading details on the blank BOL form. Some freight services will allow you to make your BOL for LTL shipments, but for FTL (full truckload) shipments, the shippers must always use their BOL.
Is bill of lading for import or export? ›
First, a Bill of Lading is a the most important shipping document involved in the import export process. However, some shippers may not understand the bill of lading meaning or the types of bill of lading that are issued along the supply chain.
Is a bill of lading a delivery note? ›
Is a bill of lading the same as a delivery note? No, they serve different purposes. A bill of lading is a document that identifies the goods being transported, while a delivery note is a document that confirms the receipt of goods by the buyer.
Can a shipper issue a bill of lading? ›
A bill of lading is issued by a carrier (for example, the operator of a container ship) to a shipper (the party shipping the goods) as a contract of carriage, receipt for goods, and a document of title. Carriers issue BoLs to shippers, who use them to verify that shipments have been received in good condition.