Bill of Lading Template
The carrier’s receipt and title document for ocean cargo — free, no signup.
What is a bill of lading?
A bill of lading (B/L) is issued by the carrier to the shipper and plays three roles at once: a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and — for a negotiable B/L — a document of title the consignee uses to claim the cargo. Its details must match the commercial invoice and packing list, or the shipment can be held at the port.
What a bill of lading includes
- ✓Shipper, consignee & notify party
- ✓B/L number & type (negotiable / straight)
- ✓Vessel & voyage, port of loading / discharge
- ✓Description of goods, marks & numbers
- ✓Number of packages, gross weight & measurement
- ✓Freight terms (prepaid / collect) & place of issue
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Upload a document →Frequently asked
What is the difference between a bill of lading and a sea waybill?
A bill of lading can be a negotiable document of title the consignee must present (often an original) to collect the goods; a sea waybill is non-negotiable and lets the named consignee take delivery without presenting a document — faster, but with less control.
What does “clean on board” mean on a bill of lading?
“Clean” means the carrier noted no defects in the goods or packaging at loading; “on board” (shipped on board) confirms the cargo was actually loaded onto the vessel. Both are usually required under a letter of credit.