Bill of Lading

Bill of Lading

Produces a complete B/L that memorializes shipment, allocates risk, and complies with the governing carriage regime. Populate every field from source documents only — never invent data.

Prerequisites

1. Parties — shipper, consignee, notify party legal names, addresses, contacts
2. Booking & voyage — booking confirmation, vessel/voyage, ports, delivery terms
3. Cargo details — packing list, commercial invoice, marks/numbers, weights, measurements
4. Commercial terms — Incoterms, freight payment (prepaid/collect), currency, charges
5. Special requirements — insurance/declared value instructions, special handling, hazmat data (UN number, IMDG class) if applicable

Output Structure

1) Document Header

2) Shipment Routing

3) Cargo Description

4) Freight and Charges

5) Core Clauses Checklist

• [ ] Receipt in apparent good order unless claused
• [ ] Carrier duty of due diligence — vessel seaworthiness
• [ ] Liability limitation: COGSA $500/package or customary freight unit unless higher value declared and paid [VERIFY]
• [ ] Notice of loss/damage timing (apparent vs. concealed) [VERIFY]
• [ ] Time bar: COGSA one year from delivery or due date [VERIFY]
• [ ] Exceptions: perils of the sea, act of God, inherent vice, shipper fault
• [ ] General average clause and GA contribution security
• [ ] Carrier lien for unpaid freight/charges
• [ ] Governing law, forum selection, or arbitration clause
• [ ] Himalaya clause extending defenses to agents/subcontractors
• [ ] Both-to-blame collision clause (if used by carrier)

6) Negotiability and Originals

• State number of originals issued; surrender of one renders others void
• Straight B/L: state non-negotiable, identify consignee
• Electronic B/L: specify system and rules governing eBL transfer

7) Signature Blocks

• Carrier or agent: signature, name, title, date
• Shipper signature if required by carrier practice
• Clausing space for exceptions to condition/quantity

Guidelines

• Mirror packing list, booking, and shipper instructions exactly — never fabricate data
• If Hague-Visby or another regime governs, state it expressly and remove conflicting COGSA language [VERIFY]
• For L/C shipments, issue clean B/L only if no visible damage; otherwise clause accurately
• Align freight term with Incoterms and buyer/seller responsibilities
• Multimodal or door-to-door: clarify scope and liability regime for each leg
• Treat HS codes, weights, and counts as shipper-provided; avoid guarantees
• Flag jurisdiction-specific mandates or carrier standard terms that must attach