Ocean bill of lading意思
An ocean bill of lading (also known as a maritime bill of lading or simply a bill of lading) is a document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported by sea. It serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier, a receipt for the goods, and a document of title, which means it can be used to transfer ownership of the goods to a third party.
The bill of lading typically includes information such as:
- The names of the shipper and consignee (the person or company receiving the goods)
- The name of the carrier
- The port of loading and the port of discharge
- A description of the goods being shipped, including their quantity and weight
- The date and place of issue
- The signature of an authorized representative of the carrier
There are three main types of bills of lading:
- Clean bill of lading: Issued when the goods are received in apparent good order and condition.
- Foul bill of lading: Issued when the goods are received in a damaged condition or not as described.
- Order bill of lading: A bill of lading that is made out to a specific order, which can be transferred by endorsement and delivery.
The ocean bill of lading is a crucial document in international trade, as it provides evidence of the contract of carriage, the receipt of goods, and the title to the goods being transported. It is often required for customs clearance, insurance claims, and as proof of ownership for the goods.