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

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

Output Structure

1) Document Header

| Field | Req | Notes | |---|---|---| | B/L Number | Yes | Unique identifier | | B/L Type | Yes | Negotiable or Straight (Non-negotiable) | | Issue Place/Date | Yes | City, country, date | | Carrier / Shipper / Consignee | Yes | Legal name and address each | | Notify Party | Opt | If applicable | | Vessel/Voyage / Booking No. | Opt | If known | | Container/Seal Nos. | Opt | If applicable |

2) Shipment Routing

| Field | Req | Notes | |---|---|---| | Place of Receipt | Yes | Terminal or facility | | Port of Loading / Discharge | Yes | Port code if available | | Place of Delivery | Yes | Final destination | | Transshipment | Opt | Intermediate ports |

3) Cargo Description

| Field | Req | Notes | |---|---|---| | Description of Goods | Yes | Trade description; do not speculate | | Packages/Units | Yes | Count and unit type | | Gross Weight | Yes | With unit | | Marks/Numbers / HS Code | Opt | As on packages; shipper-provided | | Measurement / Packaging | Opt | CBM; type and condition | | Declared Value | Opt | If higher liability requested | | Special Handling | Opt | Fragile, reefer, etc. | | HazMat | Cond | IMDG class, UN number |

4) Freight and Charges

| Field | Req | Notes | |---|---|---| | Freight Term | Yes | Prepaid or Collect | | Rate Basis | Yes | Per container/weight/measure | | Currency | Yes | ISO code | | Additional Charges | Opt | THC, docs, fuel, security | | Payment Due | Opt | Date or upon release |

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