Bill of Lading Template Generator

Also called: Exporter, Consignor The party who ships the goods — typically the seller or exporter. The shipper enters into the contract of carriage with the shipping line and is responsible for the accuracy of the cargo description. The shipper's name and address appear in the top-left box of the B/L. In documentary credit (LC) transactions, the shipper must match the beneficiary named in the LC.

Also called: Receiver, Importer Who is to receive the cargo. For a straight B/L, this is a named company or person. For a negotiable B/L, the consignee field reads "TO ORDER" or "TO ORDER OF [ISSUING BANK]" — meaning whoever holds and presents the endorsed original B/L is entitled to the cargo. Never write a specific consignee name when using an Order B/L for LC payment.

Not the cargo owner The party to be notified when the vessel arrives at the port of discharge. Usually the buyer, buyer's customs broker, or freight forwarder at destination. Important: the Notify Party has no automatic right to the cargo — they are just informed of the arrival. The actual right to cargo belongs to the person who surrenders the original B/L (or is the named consignee for straight B/Ls).

Two different concepts Port of Loading (POL) is where the cargo is physically loaded onto the ocean vessel — e.g., Apapa, Lagos. Place of Receipt (POR) is where the carrier takes custody of the cargo, which may be an inland depot or dry port — e.g., Kano Inland Container Depot. For CY/CY (container yard to container yard) shipments, POR = POL. For combined transport shipments to landlocked destinations, POR may be hundreds of kilometers from the seaport.

Critical for LC compliance The date the cargo was physically loaded onto the vessel. This is the most important date on the B/L for Letter of Credit compliance. The on board date must be on or before the latest shipment date specified in the LC. If the B/L shows an on board date after the LC's shipment deadline, the documents will be rejected by the bank — even if cargo is already on its way.

Package identification The markings on each package or container used to identify the cargo. Typically includes: the buyer's reference number, port of destination, package numbers (e.g., "1/50" = package 1 of 50), and any special handling marks. The marks on the B/L must exactly match the marks physically marked on the packages. Discrepancies can cause customs delays and LC document rejection.

Who pays the shipping line Freight Prepaid: the shipper (seller) has already paid the ocean freight charges. Common when the Incoterm is CIF, CFR, or CPT — where the seller bears freight cost. Freight Collect: the consignee (buyer) pays freight at destination. Common with FOB, EXW, or FCA Incoterms. Note: some ports and carriers in Africa will not release cargo if freight is "Collect" and the consignee refuses to pay — leading to cargo being held at the terminal.

Usually 3, all equal standing The number of original B/L copies issued. Traditionally three originals are issued — one for the shipper, one for the bank, and one for the consignee. All originals have equal legal standing. When one original is surrendered to the carrier at the port of discharge to claim the cargo, the other originals automatically become void. This "first original wins" principle is a key feature of the B/L system.

Title transfer capability A negotiable B/L can be bought, sold, or endorsed to transfer ownership of the goods while they are in transit. This makes it a "document of title." An Order B/L is negotiable — the holder of the endorsed original controls the cargo. A non-negotiable B/L (straight B/L or seawaybill) cannot be traded. The consignee is fixed and cannot be changed once the document is issued. Banks require negotiable B/Ls as collateral for trade finance because they can be held as security.