The Bill of Lading (BL) is the most important document in maritime imports. The success of the commercial operation largely depends on its correct completion. The complexity of the documentation required for international maritime trade operations makes it advisable to delegate these procedures to a management company, especially for importers with little experience.The maritime transport of goods involves numerous actors, so it must be perfectly reflected who is responsible for each stage of the operation. Any error in completing the Bill of Lading can imply delays in the delivery of the goods and significant additional costs in the operation. Considering that this document can contain more than 30 fields and that the lack of accuracy can result in the goods being detained, the importance of avoiding mistakes is obvious.Any error in completing the Bill of Lading can result in the detention of the goods and significant additional costs. Bull Importer has extensive experience in import management and can assist you with the procedures.
Functions of the Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is a multipurpose document that serves three main functions:
- Proof of maritime transport. The Bill of Lading serves as a transport contract between the shipping company and the shipper. The agreed conditions must be reflected as in any other contract.
- Receipt of goods. This document is also used as proof that the shipper has delivered the goods to the shipping company and that they are in good condition.
- Ownership of goods. The Bill of Lading functions as a title of ownership of the goods once they reach their destination. Without the presentation of this document, the shipping company does not release the goods.
5 key aspects of the Bill of Lading
The crucial aspects to consider when completing the Bill of Lading are as follows.
1. Fill in all fields accurately
The legibility and accuracy of the information contained in the Bill of Lading are crucial to avoid interpretation errors that could result in delays and additional costs.
2. Verify the information
It is important to verify all details: check that the container number and seal match, that the number of packages is exact, and that the shipper’s, consignee’s, and importer’s or customs agent’s details are correct.
3. Identify hazardous materials
Hazardous materials must be declared, as the responsibility for their safety lies with the final recipient.
4. Detail all goods
In addition to indicating the number of containers and packages, it is necessary to describe other details, such as value, total weight and weight per unit, size, materials, type of shipment, and any shipping instructions.
5. Send the documents by courier
Courier companies are faster than regular mail and have a tracking service that allows the shipment to be easily located, and moreover, they tend to be quicker.Finally, it is worth remembering that the Bill of Lading is a legal contract that serves as evidence in a possible lawsuit between the parties involved, so it should never contain false or misleading information. On the other hand, there are different types of Bill of Lading and their digital variants Telex Release and Express Release. To learn about the similarities and differences between them, you can read the article “Master Bill of Lading and House Bill of Lading: Similarities and Differences”.
