Received for Shipment Bill of Lading

What is a Received for Shipment Bill of Lading?

A received for shipment bill of lading is a transport document issued by a carrier or its agent confirming that goods have been received into the carrier's or its agent's custody for shipment, but not yet loaded onto a vessel. It serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and is commonly used when cargo is delivered to a terminal or warehouse prior to vessel loading.

Key Features of a Received for Shipment Bill of Lading

A received for shipment bill of lading has several defining characteristics:

• Proof of receipt: Confirms that the carrier has received the goods, but does not confirm that they have been loaded onto a vessel

• Contractual role: Acts as evidence of the contract of carriage, outlining the rights and obligations of both the shipper and the carrier

• Required details: Includes information such as the description of the goods, weight, dimensions, and the names of the shipper and carrier
   

Received for Shipment versus Shipped on Board Bills of Lading

The key difference lies in the loading status of the goods. A received for shipment bill of lading confirms receipt by the carrier, while a shipped on board bill of lading confirms that the goods have been loaded onto the vessel. This distinction is important in international trade, as some payment terms and letters of credit require a shipped on board bill before funds are released.