The Bill of Lading is not only a receipt for the goods
shipped, but also a document of title which means that the
holder of the Bill of Lading has the right to the property
of goods.
The Bill of Lading determines the legal relationship
between the carrier and the consignee of the cargo.
A Bill of Lading should contain:
- the designation of the carrier,
- the designation of the shipper,
- the designation of the consignee, or a statement that
the Bill of Lading has been made out to order or to
bearer,
- the name of the vessel,
- a description of the cargo, specifying its kind
and - according to circumstances - its measure, volume,
number of pieces, quantity or weight,
- a description of the apparent condition of the cargo and
its packing,
- leading marks, indispensable for the identification of
the cargo, as submitted in writing by the shipper before
the commencement of loading, where these have been printed
or otherwise permanently marked on individual places of
the cargo or of its packing,
- designation of the freight and of other amounts due to
the carrier, or a remark that the payment thereof has
already been made in full or that it should be made in
accordance with provisions contained in another document
- the name of the place of loading,
- the name of the place of discharge, or a statement as to
when or where the place of discharge will be indicated,
- the number of copies of the bill of lading issued,
- the date and the place of issue of the bill of lading,
- the signature of the carrier or the shipmaster, or some
other representatives of the carrier.