A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. Usually prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier, it serves as a document of title, contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods. Also see Air Waybill and Ocean Bill of Lading.

Answer: The Master B/L document, available from any forwarder, has step by step instructions on how to fill out a master Bill of Lading.

On Board – The date on an "on board" B/L must be the date when the cargo is loaded on board the vessel. In the case of an intermodal B/L, the date may be when the cargo is loaded on the railcar or truck. On Board Rail – An "on board rail" B/L specifically denotes the date when the cargo is loaded on board a railcar.

Answer: The master B/L should be sent as early as possible. At the latest, it should be in "K" Line’s possession 48 hours before a vessel sails.

Answer: Can I have more than 3 original Bills of Lading? Although 3 is the accepted industry standard, "K" Line can issue as many originals as you require as long as the face of the ladings bears the number of originals issued. (ie. if you require 6 originals, then the originals must state that 6 were issued).

This is the document describing the conditions of carriage and serves as a legal contract between you and NorthStar Express Freight.

Answer: A new set of originals may be obtained by furnishing a letter of indemnity stating that "K" Line is not to be held responsible if the first set is found and surrendered. The letter of indemnity must be signed by the shipper (or his legal representative) and counter-signed by any reputable bank doing business in the U.S. or Canada.

Endorse the original Bills of Lading on the back and send the full set to "K" Line America, Inc. Once your signed originals have been received by "K" Line America, Inc., we will promptly notify our office or agent overseas of the surrender.

All parties involved should have a copy of the Bill of Lading (buyer, seller and carrier). The seller will receive 2 copies of the BOL. One BOL MUST be given to the truck driver when he makes the pickup and the seller keeps the other for his records. The seller will sign the carrier’s copy and the carrier will sign the seller’s copy to verify shipment was picked up. The carrier will attach a PRO sticker to the sellers copy.

The Troxler Transportation Guide gives examples of bills of lading for transportation to temporary job sites, as well as transportation by common carrier.