Curious about shipping? You might have heard of sea freight, consignment numbers, and the bill of lading. But first, what is a bill of lading, and how is it useful for transportation companies and individuals? If you’re new to the Bill of Lading (BoL), this overview should help you get up to speed on the terminology and structure of the document. It’s also essential to understand how to detect bill of lading fraud, as it helps prevent costly errors and legal issues.

What is a Bill of Lading?

A bill of lading (BoL), sometimes known as an original bill of lading (B/L), or an OB/L, is a legally binding document specifying a shipment’s kind, amount, and final destination. As soon as the shipment reaches its destination, the BoL acts as a receipt for the shipper.  It’s important to know how to detect bill of lading fraud because discrepancies in the information provided can lead to shipment issues and financial losses.

The bill of lading is derived from the verb “to lade,” meaning “to load.” The bill of lading is appropriately named because of its historical function as a receipt for goods transported on ships. The freight bill of lading is one example of a shipping document that specifies the contents and conditions of the shipment. The shipper and carrier join into this agreement to arrange for transportation services. However, learning how to detect bill of lading fraud can safeguard both parties from unauthorized changes or alterations that might compromise the shipment.

Types of Bill of Lading

The BoL is helpful in classifying various kinds of documents. Down below, we’ve selected the most typical bills of lading:

Ocean Bill of Lading

Shipping companies provide Ocean BoLs for the import and export of products via ocean freight, often known as sea freight.

Liability Insurance Policy

This document details the shipment of goods to a designated recipient using either the Ocean Bill of Lading or a house bill style. Knowing How to Detect bill of lading fraud in such documents is important to prevent unauthorized transfers or miscommunications about liability coverage.

Order Bill of Lading

With this bill of lading, the consignee can choose to sell or transfer ownership rights to someone else. This bill of lading, sometimes called a “to order” bill, is a negotiable paper that can be “endorsed” by another entity, like a bank or finance institution.

Airway Bill

For the purpose of shipping products by air freight, companies such as airlines issue what is known as an air waybill. While it does not transfer ownership of the goods like an ocean bill of lading does, it does serve as proof of the agreement between the shipper and the airline.

Multimodal or Combined Bill of Lading

This type is used when carrying goods by truck, train, ship, and airplane, among other means.

Also Read This: Ex-Factory Terms in Import-Export: A Complete Guide

The best ways to keep track of a bill of lading

Ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time means keeping track of your Bill of Lading (BoL). Here are the best ways to do BoL monitoring.

Online Tracking Portal for the Carrier

Most carriers have an online tracking system on their websites. Entering the Bill of Lading (BOL) number or tracking number lets shippers and recipients know where the shipment is at all times and any delays or estimated arrival times. This service is one of the easiest ways to keep track of your packages.

Shipping Company’s Mobile App

A lot of shipping companies have made tracking apps for mobile devices. These apps often let you know when the state changes, making it easier to track the shipment’s progress. Especially when you’re out and about.

Portal for Freight Forwarders

If you use a freight forwarder, they will usually have their own tracking system. You can check their portal to keep updated on your Bill of Lading. After that see the progress of your customs clearance, and see if any problems need your attention.

Platforms for third-party tracking

There are a number of third-party platforms that let you keep track of packages from different carriers in one place. Tools collect data from different carriers and give complete tracking reports. This makes it easier to keep track of many shipments at once.

Contacting the Carrier or Forwarder

If you can’t track your package online, you can use the details on the bill of lading to get in touch with the carrier. They can keep you up to date on the state of the shipment and fix any problems you may have.

Email or Text Message Alerts

Some carriers offer email or text message alert services that let you know important information about your shipment, like when the goods are in transit, early, or delivered.

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