📄 Understanding the Different Types of Bill of Lading (B/L)
In global trade, a Bill of Lading is more than just a shipping document—
It’s a receipt, a contract of carriage, and in many cases, a document of title.
But did you know that Bills of Lading come in multiple forms depending on how, when, and where they are issued?
Let’s break down the major types of Bill of Lading, classified by key attributes:
🔹 Based on Carrier Involvement
✅ Master B/L (MBL) – Issued by the shipping line to the booking party (direct shipper or freight forwarder)
✅ House B/L (HBL) – Issued by freight forwarder to the shipper after receiving MBL
🔹 Based on Condition of Goods
✅ Clean B/L – Goods are in good condition, with no damage or irregularities
✅ Claused/Dirty B/L – Issued when damage or issues are noted on the cargo or packaging
🔹 Based on Ownership & Delivery
✅ Order B/L – Transferable by endorsement; useful for trade financing
✅ Bearer B/L – Whoever holds the document can take delivery
✅ Seaway Bill – No title function; simplifies delivery but can’t be used under L/C
🔹 Based on Shipment Status
✅ Received for Shipment B/L – Goods received at port/terminal but not yet loaded
✅ Shipped on Board B/L – Confirms goods are loaded on vessel
✅ Stale B/L – Not presented within the valid period for banking or clearance
🔹 Based on Transportation Mode
✅ Multimodal B/L / Combined B/L – Covers multiple modes of transport (e.g., rail + sea)
✅ Through B/L – End-to-end transport covering various carriers/modes
✅ Ocean B/L – Used for sea freight across international waters
✅ Charter Party B/L – Used in bulk shipping under charter agreements
✅ Direct B/L – Same vessel used from origin to destination
🔹 Based on Post-Issuance Use
✅ Surrendered B/L – Used to avoid delays when documents can't reach before cargo
✅ Switch B/L – Issued to protect the identity of original supplier in triangular trade
📌 Whether you're a shipper, freight forwarder, or trade professional—
Understanding these classifications helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures smooth cargo movement.
