Glossary Bill of Lading (BOL, B/L)

A Bill of Lading (BOL or B/L) is a transferable instrument that serves as proof that cargo has been loaded onto a main vessel. It is a document that proves that the carrier has received the goods for shipment or loading and has agreed to transport them by sea to the port of destination, and deliver them to the consignee or their agent under certain conditions. There are two types of bills of lading: a Master B/L (MBL), which is issued by the shipping company, and a House B/L (HBL), which is issued by a forwarder to the consignee.