bill of lading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bill of lading" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a document issued by a carrier or freight company to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment and also to serve as a contract of carriage. You can use it when describing the agreement between a carrier and a shipper for delivery of goods. For example: "The carrier issued a bill of lading to the shipper, outlining the terms of the agreement for the delivery of the goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The weapons were destined for Eritrea, though the bill of lading stipulated Georgia as the buyer.

The Guardian

The carrier may only deliver the goods to a person holding a duly negotiated bill of lading.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Upon receipt of a pump on site, the unit should be carefully inspected for damage and checked against the bill of lading.

The Practical Pumping Handbook

On receiving the goods alongside or on board, a dock or mate's receipt is issued and is later turned in for the bill of lading proper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In late 2011 Mr. Bevan obtained the bill of lading for 13 shipping containers seized by the authorities in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2010.

The New York Times

He dug out the bill of lading from the trucking company and learned that the payments for the delivery service had been withdrawn, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Mainly it was through the Iranians, who gave bills of lading saying it was Iranian product.

The New York Times

The Americans reviewed the tanker's navigational equipment and documents, including bills of lading.

The New York Times

The substantive standards governing bills of lading in maritime carriage have become largely uniform in most of the Western world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The convention was originally intended to apply to all bills of lading issued in any one of the contracting states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The agreement was observed by the garnishee until and including the 31st of October, and during that time the shipments were carried on through bills of lading.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "bill of lading", ensure you specify whether it's an original, copy, or electronic version, as each carries different legal weight.

Common error

Avoid using "bill of lading" interchangeably with terms like "shipping manifest" or "waybill". A "bill of lading" serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title, while others have more limited functions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bill of lading" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of document. As Ludwig AI states, it serves as a receipt, a contract, and a document of title in shipping transactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Formal & Business

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bill of lading" is a common and correct noun phrase referring to a crucial document in shipping and trade, serving as a receipt, contract, and sometimes a document of title. Its use is prevalent across formal business, news, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. When using the phrase, remember its precise legal and commercial implications and avoid confusing it with similar shipping documents. Being aware of its role helps to avoid potential misunderstandings in shipping and trade.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shipping document

Broader term referring to any document related to shipping; less specific than "bill of lading".

carriage contract

Focuses on the contractual aspect of the bill of lading, emphasizing the agreement for transport.

transport document

General term encompassing various documents used in transportation, including bills of lading.

receipt for goods

Focuses on the function of the "bill of lading" as a receipt acknowledging the goods received for shipment.

proof of shipment

Highlights the function of the bill of lading as evidence that goods have been shipped.

waybill

Similar to a "bill of lading", but often non-negotiable and used in specific transport scenarios.

consignment note

Similar document, but may refer to different modes of transport or specific legal contexts.

title document for goods

Emphasizes the role of the "bill of lading" as representing ownership of the goods during transit.

freight bill

Related to the cost of freight, but the "bill of lading" focuses on the goods and their transport agreement.

shipping manifest

A list of all cargo aboard a vessel; related to, but not the same as, a "bill of lading".

FAQs

What is the primary function of a "bill of lading"?

A "bill of lading" serves as a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage, and, in some cases, a document of title, proving ownership of the goods during transit.

What information is typically included in a "bill of lading"?

A "bill of lading" typically includes details about the shipper, consignee, goods being shipped, origin, destination, carrier, and terms of the transport agreement.

How does a "bill of lading" differ from a waybill?

A "bill of lading" can act as a document of title, allowing for the transfer of ownership of goods, whereas a waybill ("waybill") typically only serves as a receipt and contract of carriage and is non-negotiable.

What happens if there are discrepancies between the goods received and the "bill of lading"?

Discrepancies between the goods and the "bill of lading" can lead to claims, disputes, and potential legal action to resolve the discrepancies and associated losses.