Moving the goods without losing the margin · The document that controls the goods
Bill of lading types
A bill of lading is a receipt, a contract and a document of title. The type decides who can release the cargo.
Key facts
| Functions | Receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage and, for order bills, a document of title |
|---|---|
| Master bill | Issued by the carrier to the forwarder or shipper |
| House bill | Issued by the forwarder to the actual shipper; used for consolidated cargo |
| Straight bill | Consigned to a named party; not negotiable |
| Order bill | Negotiable and released against endorsement; used with letters of credit |
| Official source | The carrier or forwarder bill terms and the applicable convention |
The document that controls the goods
A bill of lading is more than paperwork. It is the carrier's receipt, the evidence of the contract and, in the order form, the title to the goods. The consignee and the release method determine who can collect the container at destination.
A straight bill names the consignee and is not negotiable. An order bill is negotiable and is released against endorsement, which is why it appears in letter-of-credit transactions. A telex release is an instruction that the original has been surrendered, allowing release without the paper document.
Match the document to the deal
For a simple prepaid shipment, a straight bill or a telex release is usually enough. For a letter of credit, the bank will specify the bill type and the documents required. A mismatch can delay release even when the goods have arrived.
Check the consignee, the notify party, the description and the marks against the invoice and the packing list. A typo in the consignee can stop the release. Keep the original and the release instructions together, and confirm the release before the container arrives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a master and a house bill?
The master bill is issued by the carrier to the forwarder; the house bill is issued by the forwarder to the shipper. For consolidated cargo, both exist.
What is a telex release?
An instruction that the original bill has been surrendered, allowing the cargo to be released without the paper document.
When is an order bill used?
Commonly in letter-of-credit transactions, because it is negotiable and released against endorsement.
Who can collect the cargo?
The consignee named on the bill, or the party entitled under an order bill, subject to the release instructions and the carrier's process.
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