Theory question 106
Foreign Trade DocumentsCommerce 2 (essay)
(a) What is a bill of lading?
(b) State six contents of a bill of lading
(c) Distinguish between a clean bill of lading and a foul bill of lading
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(a) A bill of lading is a document issued by a shipping company (or its master) to the shipper acknowledging receipt of goods on board; it is the contract of carriage and a document of title to the goods.
(b) Any six: names of shipper (consignor) and consignee; name of the ship; ports of loading and discharge; description, marks and numbers of packages; quantity/weight of the goods; freight charges and whether paid; date and place of issue; signature of the master or agent; condition of the goods.
(c) A clean bill of lading states that the goods were received in good order and condition; a foul (dirty/claused) bill of lading has a note that the goods or packing were damaged or short when received.
Remember: a bill of lading is a document of title.