Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is a crucial transport document that proves ownership of goods during shipping and acts as a receipt between cargo owners and carriers. Under Indian maritime law, it serves three key functions: it shows the carrier has received the goods, outlines the shipping contract terms, and gives the holder legal rights to claim the cargo.
Merchants and logistics companies across Indian ports rely on Bills of Lading to safely transfer goods and resolve disputes. The document must include specific details like the shipment quantity, condition, destination port, and vessel name - following guidelines set by the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. Banks also accept it as collateral for trade finance since it represents the goods' ownership.
When should you use a Bill of Lading?
You need a Bill of Lading any time you're shipping goods through Indian ports, especially for international trade. This document becomes essential when transferring ownership of cargo between parties, securing trade financing from banks, or proving delivery terms in case of disputes. For exports from major ports like Mumbai or Chennai, it serves as proof of cargo receipt and ownership.
Indian customs authorities require Bills of Lading for clearing shipments, and banks demand them for letters of credit. Use it to protect your interests during transit delays, cargo damage, or ownership disputes. The document particularly helps when dealing with multiple carriers, transshipments, or when your goods pass through high-risk shipping routes in the Indian Ocean region.
What are the different types of Bill of Lading?
- Seaway Bill Of Lading: Non-negotiable document used for direct shipments where cargo ownership won't change during transit
- Airway Bill Bill Of Lading: Specific to air freight shipments, serving as both receipt and contract of carriage
- Bill Of Lading And Shipping Bill: Combined document meeting both shipping and customs requirements for Indian exports
- Bill Of Lading Express: Simplified format for quick processing of routine shipments
- Straight BOL: Names specific consignee, cannot be endorsed to transfer ownership
Who should typically use a Bill of Lading?
- Shipping Companies: Issue Bills of Lading as carriers, confirming receipt of goods and promising safe delivery
- Exporters/Importers: Use them as proof of ownership and to transfer title of goods during international trade
- Freight Forwarders: Handle documentation on behalf of shippers, often preparing and managing Bills of Lading
- Banks: Accept Bills of Lading as collateral for trade finance and letters of credit
- Customs Officials: Review these documents for cargo clearance at Indian ports
- Insurance Companies: Reference Bills of Lading when processing cargo insurance claims
- Port Authorities: Verify documentation for loading and unloading operations
How do you write a Bill of Lading?
- Shipment Details: Gather exact quantity, weight, and description of goods being transported
- Party Information: Collect complete names and addresses of shipper, consignee, and notify party
- Vessel Data: Note vessel name, voyage number, port of loading, and destination port
- Cargo Specifics: Document packaging type, markings, and any special handling requirements
- Terms Verification: Confirm freight payment terms and delivery conditions
- Document Type: Choose between negotiable or straight Bill of Lading based on trade requirements
- Quality Check: Use our platform's automated validation to ensure all mandatory fields meet Indian shipping regulations
What should be included in a Bill of Lading?
- Document Title: Clear identification as "Bill of Lading" with unique reference number
- Party Details: Full names and addresses of shipper, carrier, and consignee
- Cargo Description: Detailed specifications, quantity, and condition of goods
- Shipping Information: Vessel name, voyage number, ports of loading and discharge
- Contract Terms: Freight charges, payment terms, and delivery conditions
- Liability Clauses: Carrier's obligations and limitations under Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act
- Jurisdiction Statement: Applicable law and dispute resolution procedures
- Authentication: Date, carrier's signature, and company stamp
What's the difference between a Bill of Lading and a Bill of Sale?
A Bill of Lading differs significantly from a Bill of Sale in both purpose and legal effect under Indian law. While both documents deal with property transfer, their application and timing are quite distinct. Let's explore the key differences:
- Transfer Timing: A Bill of Lading transfers possession during shipping and can be negotiated multiple times, while a Bill of Sale represents final, immediate transfer of ownership
- Document Function: Bills of Lading serve as receipt, contract of carriage, and title document; Bills of Sale only prove ownership transfer
- Legal Flexibility: Bills of Lading can be endorsed to new owners during transit; Bills of Sale are typically one-time permanent transfers
- Usage Context: Bills of Lading are specific to shipping and logistics, while Bills of Sale apply to general property sales
- Documentary Requirements: Bills of Lading must include shipping details and carrier information; Bills of Sale focus on asset description and parties' details
Find the exact document you need
Motorcycle Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-compliant transport document serving as receipt, contract, and title document for motorcycle shipments.
Country Craft Bill Of Lading
A legal maritime document used in Indian coastal trade that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods transported via country craft vessels.
Part Load Bill Of Lading
A legal shipping document under Indian law for partial container/vessel loads, serving as receipt, contract of carriage, and title document.
Car Shipping Bill Of Lading
A legal document under Indian law for maritime vehicle transportation, serving as receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title.
Bill Of Lading Logistics
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
Bill Of Lading Car (Transport)
An Indian law-governed transport document serving as both receipt and title document for vehicle shipments, compliant with the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act and related regulations.
Straight Bill Of Lading Original Not Negotiable
An Indian maritime transport document that serves as a non-transferable receipt and contract of carriage, governed by Indian shipping laws, designating a specific consignee for goods delivery.
Seaway Bill Non Negotiable
An Indian law-governed non-negotiable maritime transport document that evidences the contract of carriage and facilitates direct delivery to a named consignee.
Maritime Bill Of Lading
A legal document under Indian law serving as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for maritime cargo transportation.
Liner Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed maritime transport document serving as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods shipped via regular liner services.
Lash Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed maritime transport document for LASH (Lighter Aboard Ship) operations, serving as both cargo receipt and contract of carriage for barge-to-vessel shipping.
Groupage Bill Of Lading
An Indian-law governed transport document that serves as a receipt and contract of carriage for consolidated maritime shipments, combining multiple smaller consignments under one master bill of lading.
Feeder Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-compliant transport document used for feeder vessel operations, serving as both a cargo receipt and title document for short-sea shipping connections to main ocean voyages.
Charterers Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed maritime transport document serving as cargo receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title, issued by charterers rather than vessel owners.
Charter Bill Of Lading
A maritime transport document under Indian law that combines traditional bill of lading functions with charter party terms, serving as both a receipt for goods and a document of title.
Blind Bill Of Lading
An Indian-law governed transport document that serves as a receipt and title document for maritime cargo while maintaining shipper confidentiality through 'TO ORDER' designation.
Part Bill Of Lading
A legally binding shipping document under Indian law used for partial shipments or multiple vessel transportations, serving as both a receipt for goods and a title document.
Paper Bill Of Lading
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage evidence, and document of title for shipped goods.
Dangerous Goods Bill Of Lading
A legally binding transport document for dangerous goods shipments by sea in India, complying with Indian maritime law and international regulations.
Bill Of Lading Express
An expedited shipping document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for maritime cargo transport.
Auto Transport BOL
An Indian-compliant legal document serving as both receipt and contract for vehicle transportation, governed by the Carriage of Goods by Road Act and Motor Vehicles Act.
Way Bill Of Lading
A non-negotiable shipping document governed by Indian law that serves as both a receipt for cargo and contract of carriage, documenting shipping terms and cargo details.
Universal Bill Of Lading
A transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for maritime shipments, governed by Indian shipping legislation and international conventions.
Uniform Straight Bill Of Lading
A non-negotiable transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt for goods and contract of carriage, specifying a named consignee for delivery.
Transshipment Bill Of Lading
An Indian-law governed maritime document evidencing contract of carriage for goods that will be transferred between vessels during transit, serving as both receipt and title document.
Transit Bill Of Lading
A legally binding shipping document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods in maritime transport.
Tanker Bill Of Lading
A legally binding transport document under Indian law for tanker cargo shipments, serving as cargo receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title.
Sub Bill Of Lading
An Indian-law governed maritime transport document that serves as a receipt and title document for goods, issued under a Master Bill of Lading.
Straight BOL Short Form
A non-negotiable maritime transport document under Indian law that specifies cargo details and names a specific consignee for direct delivery.
Straight BOL
A non-negotiable maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as cargo receipt and contract of carriage, naming a specific consignee.
Straight Bill Of Lading Short Form Original Not Negotiable
A non-negotiable maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt for goods and contract of carriage, specifically naming the consignee for direct delivery.
Straight Bill Of Lading Short Form
A non-negotiable maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt for goods and contract of carriage, naming a specific consignee for direct shipments.
Straight Bill Of Lading Form
An Indian-law governed non-negotiable transport document that serves as a receipt for shipped goods and must be delivered to a specifically named consignee.
Standard Truckload Bill Of Lading
A legal document for truckload shipments in India that serves as both a receipt for goods and a contract of carriage, compliant with Indian transportation laws.
Standard BOL Form
A legally binding transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for maritime shipments.
Standard Bill Of Lading Form
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
Standard Bill Of Lading
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
Staging Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed maritime transport document that combines traditional bill of lading functions with provisions for staged delivery operations.
Split Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-compliant shipping document that enables the division of a single shipment into multiple parts, each with its own separate bill of lading for different consignees.
Soiled Bill Of Lading
An Indian-law governed maritime transport document acknowledging receipt of damaged or defective goods, serving as both cargo receipt and document of title.
Simple Bill Of Lading
A legal document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for maritime shipments.
Short Form BOL
A concise Bill of Lading document under Indian law that serves as a cargo receipt, title document, and carrier-shipper contract.
Short Bill Of Lading Form
An Indian law-governed maritime transport document that serves as a cargo receipt, contract of carriage, and title document in a simplified format.
Shipping Bill Of Lading Form
A legal document under Indian shipping law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for transported goods.
Seaway Bill Of Lading
A non-negotiable transport document under Indian law that evidences the contract of carriage and receipt of goods, typically used when the consignee is pre-determined.
Sea Bill Of Lading
A legal document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods transported by sea.
Original Ocean Bill Of Lading
A maritime transport document under Indian law serving as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for shipped goods.
One Bill Of Lading
A legally binding shipping document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for transported goods.
On Deck Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed bill of lading specifically designed for cargo transported on a vessel's deck, incorporating modified liability terms and special handling requirements.
Ocean Bill Of Lading Form
A legally binding maritime shipping document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods transported by sea.
Ocean Bill Of Lading
A maritime transport document under Indian law serving as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods shipped by sea.
Multimodal Transport Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed transport document that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for goods transported via multiple modes under a single contract.
Moving Company Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-compliant transport document that serves as a receipt, contract, and title document for moving services, governed by Indian transportation regulations.
Memo Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-compliant shipping document that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for maritime cargo transportation.
Marine Bill Of Lading
A legal transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for maritime shipments.
Intermodal Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed transport document that serves as both a receipt and contract for multimodal cargo transportation, combining different modes of transport under a single document.
Inland Bill Of Lading
An Indian transport document serving as receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for domestic shipments, governed by Indian transportation laws.
Import Bill Of Lading
A legal document governed by Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for imported goods arriving at Indian ports.
Household Goods Bill Of Lading
A legal shipping document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract, and title document for the transportation of household goods.
Hitchment Bill Of Lading
An Indian maritime document that serves as a receipt and contract of carriage for goods transferred between vessels during transit, governed by Indian shipping laws.
Global Bill Of Lading
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for international shipments.
General Bill Of Lading
A legally binding transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt for shipped goods, title document, and contract of carriage in maritime shipping.
Freight Forwarders Bill Of Lading
A legally binding transport document used in Indian jurisdiction that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for international cargo shipments.
Freight BOL
A legally binding maritime document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
First Bill Of Lading
A legally binding shipping document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for transported goods.
Final Bill Of Lading
A legally binding maritime document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
Duplicate Bill Of Lading
A legally-binding replacement document issued under Indian law when the original Bill of Lading is lost or damaged, serving as an equivalent document for cargo ownership and shipping contract evidence.
Direct Bill Of Lading
A transport document issued under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for maritime shipments, issued directly by the carrier to the shipper.
Cross Country Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed transport document serving as both a receipt for goods and a document of title in cross-country shipping operations.
Commercial Bill Of Lading
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, title document, and contract of carriage for shipped goods.
Combined Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed transport document that combines receipt, title, and contract functions for multimodal shipping operations.
Bill Of Lading Short Form Not Negotiable
A simplified, non-negotiable shipping document used in Indian maritime trade that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and non-transferable document of title.
Bill Of Lading Short Form
A simplified yet legally valid maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
Bill Of Lading Form For Car (Transport)
An Indian law-compliant Bill of Lading specifically designed for vehicle transportation, serving as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title.
Bill Of Lading For Trucking
A legally binding transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for road transportation of goods.
Bill Of Lading For Road (Transport)
An Indian legal document serving as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for road transportation of goods, governed by the Carriage by Road Act, 2007.
Bill Of Lading And Shipping Bill
A legally binding shipping document package under Indian law comprising a Bill of Lading (receipt and contract of carriage) and Shipping Bill (customs declaration) for international trade transactions.
Bearer Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed negotiable maritime document that serves as a receipt for shipped goods and transfers ownership rights through physical possession of the document.
Basic Bill Of Lading
A legally binding maritime transport document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for shipped goods.
Barge Bill Of Lading
A legally binding document under Indian law that serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title for goods transported by barge in Indian waterways.
Airway Bill Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed transportation document serving as both a receipt for goods and a contract of carriage, essential for international trade and shipping operations.
Ad Valorem Bill Of Lading
An Indian law-governed maritime transport document where freight is calculated based on cargo value, serving as both receipt and title document.
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security:
You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it