What is a Bill of Lading? What are the Types of Bills of Lading According to Transportation Methods?
A bill of lading is a negotiable document—also referred to as a transport document—that contains information such as the consignee, shipper, and notify party, and includes all details related to the commercial transaction. Its dictionary definition refers to a document, receipt, or certificate issued in exchange for goods delivered to be transported by ship. Since the logistics sector initially developed primarily through maritime transportation, its dictionary meaning was formed in this context. Over time, different types of bills of lading have been developed for all modes of transportation.
ROAD WAYBILL (CMR)
The road waybill is the road transport document used by countries that accept the provisions of the international agreement known as CMR (Convention des Marchandises Routières). This transport document indicates that the transportation will be carried out in accordance with CMR provisions.
The road transport waybill issued by an intermediary or transport company on behalf of the consignee serves as legal evidence that the cargo has been transported under the specified conditions, delivered to the consignee in good condition, and that the transport contract has been duly fulfilled. Since the authority of representation does not cover ownership of the goods, it cannot be endorsed.
The road waybill is prepared in three original copies: one to be given to the shipper, one to accompany the cargo, and one to remain with the carrier. While the cargo is in transit, the shipper has the right to instruct the carrier to stop the transport, change delivery details, or request delivery of the cargo to a person other than the consignee stated in the document. In order for this to take place, the shipper must provide a guarantee to the carrier.
AIR WAYBILL
The bill of lading known as AWB, HAWB, or Air Waybill is the receipt issued by airline companies indicating that the cargo has been accepted for transportation. The AWB does not grant the right to claim ownership of the goods. After the cargo arrives at the airport and customs procedures are completed, the goods are delivered to the consignee named in the document.
The AWB may also be issued in the name of a bank that cooperates with the consignee. In such cases (leasing), the authorized bank may submit a written declaration to the airline company at the destination to release the goods to the consignee. The AWB is issued as 3 originals (for the consignee, the shipper, and the airline) and 9 copies. The document includes information such as flight date, flight number, type and quantity of cargo, consignee and shipper details, freight charges, and the airline’s stamp and signature.
OCEAN BILL OF LADING
The ocean bill of lading is a receipt issued by a shipping company or its authorized agent—or, if there is no authorized agent at the port of loading, by the ship’s captain confirming that the goods have been accepted for transportation. It can be issued to order or in the name of a specific party, and when a loading record is included, it also serves as a transport contract.
The ocean bill of lading represents ownership of the goods; therefore, ownership is transferred through endorsement of the document.
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