Bill of lading
Also called: B/L · BL · konşimento
The transport document issued by an ocean carrier or its agent acknowledging receipt of goods for shipment. It evidences the contract of carriage and, in negotiable form, is a document of title that must be presented to obtain the goods. A non-negotiable sea waybill serves as receipt and contract only.
In practice
Release of a container usually depends on surrendering an original bill of lading or a telex release, so payment and document flows must be aligned.
Related terms
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