Importing and Exporting Infographic: Bill of Lading, Waybill

A “Bill of Lading,” also known as a BOL or Waybill, is a legal document between a shipping carrier and a business. A BOL acts as:

1) Proof of terms for the contract of carriage.

2) A receipt that that goods have been loaded.

3) A “document of title” for said goods.

Essentially, a BOL is considered one of the most important documents in any import/export shipping and freight deal. Unknown to most, a bill of lading can actually appear in many varieties, each serving its own purpose (with specific instructions for the carrier).

Check out this free infographic, compliments of Excelsior, which illustrates some of the most common types of BOL’s used in the import/export business today.