The opportunity of international freight transportation has opened the borders of the world for us. We can get almost anything from anywhere on the earth. The shipping business has invented many documents to optimize its work. One of the main documents is the Bill of Lading (BOL).
In this article, we will look at what this document is and pay special attention to one of its types — the Straight Bill of Lading.
It is a binding legal document used in the shipping business and the carrier of goods. It reflects all important data regarding the transportation of goods. The document is completed by a carrier and provided to a shipper or seller. The document is needed to confirm the boarding of items on the ship.
Although we are talking about the shipping industry, the document can also be used in air or land shipping. It may also be known by other names:
The essence of all these reports is the same — they present the necessary data for processing a cargo shipment.
This paper is a legal document that can be used in court in case of litigation. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to the preparation of the document and avoid mistakes. Check the document carefully during registration. It must correctly reflect reality.
The form has three main meanings. It functions as:
Precisely as evidence, and not as the contract itself. The agreement between Carrier and the Shipper had already been signed.
This indicates that the holder of the document is the owner of the goods being transported.
The issuance of this document means that the carrier received all the goods per the contract and issued this paper in return.
There are several types of this document. The main ones are:
It is one of the most basic documents in cargo transportation. It is a non-negotiable record. To draw up such a document, the transported goods must have already been paid for or not require payment (gifts or donations). They are sent directly to the consignee, who must present an identity card to receive them.
As in any legal case, there are pitfalls here. Let’s figure out what are the positive and negative aspects of using this type of document.
Benefits:
Disadvantages and risks:
Each form contains the following data:
Other Financial Forms
Look at some other financial PDF files available for editing via our editor. Also, remember that you can actually upload, fill out, and edit any PDF form at FormsPal.
The document is filled in by a carrier, which fills in all the relevant data. You can use our form-building software to fill out the document. Also, follow our step-by-step instructions.
Name Carrier, Consignee, and Shipper
Specify contacts and details of carrier, consignee, and shipper:
Add Carrier’s Info
Next, you should indicate:
Give Details Concerning Shipment
You should write in:
Specify Contact for Payment
Indicate where the payment bill should be sent. Identify the recipient and their contact details.
Describe the Goods
It is necessary to indicate how many places are shipping; describe each; indicate measurements and value. Be sure to make a note if there are any hazardous materials.
Indicate Responsible for Shipment Charges
Check the box next to the desired value:
Insert all required amounts.
Enter the Value of the Goods
Indicate the assigned value of the transported items.
Put Signatures
Provide all required signatures.