How many types of bills of lading？
and when is a bill of lading required?
There are many different types of bills of lading, depending on where you are shipping to, what commodity you are shipping, and your needs. The type of bill of lading you encounter might be based on who issued it, the mode of transport, or the relationship between yourself and the shipper – for example, if you’ve paid for goods or transportation upfront or on credit.
Two types of bills of lading you’ll come across at Linkway include:
- Original bill of lading: The primary document used in sea transport. It functions as evidence of a contract of carriage, transport goods receipt, and a legal title to the goods. To receive the cargo, the buyer (consignee) will need to present the original bill of lading.
- Seaway Bill: The sea waybill is a type of bill of lading. It is a key document used in sea transport when the supplier (shipper) decides to release ownership of the cargo to the buyer (consignee) immediately. This means that the cargo can be picked up by the party identified in the waybill without presenting a document of ownership. A sea waybill is evidence of a contract of carriage and a transport goods receipt but does not give title to the goods.
What is a telex release?
It’s worth a quick note here on something else you might encounter in your shipping — a telex release or electronic cargo release. The telex release is not a type of bill of lading, but a method of releasing a bill of lading electronically. A telex release is only relevant to shipments where an original bill of lading has been issued. It is a message that authorises the carrier to release the cargo to a named party at the destination, without the presence of the original bill of lading.
Summing up
So, the bill of lading is the key to unlocking international logistics. It’s the pass that gets you through the door, but it relies on having correct information provided and being correctly issued. Take your time getting to grips with the documentation before you book.
Feel ready to tackle your logistics? Why not contact to LINKWAY today to explore the platform, browse routes and start booking.
