Dictionary Home » Webster's New World Law Dictionary » bill of lading

bill of lading

bill of lading definition - legal

A document issued by a carrier or by a shipperÂ’s agent that identifies the goods received for shipment, where the goods are to be delivered, and who is entitled to receive the shipment. Abbreviated B/L.

clean bill

or clean bill of lading. A bill of lading with no added notations that change or qualify its terms.

order bill

or order bill of lading. A bill of lading that is negotiable and that states that the goods can be delivered only when the bill of lading is presented to the carrier. Title to the bill of lading and to the goods identified in it can be transferred by the shipper, indorsing and giving up possession of the document to another, who is then entitled to receive the goods from the carrier.

straight bill

or straight bill of lading. A nonnegotiable bill of lading that merely specifies the specific place and person the carrier is to deliver the goods to.

through bill

or through bill of lading. A bill of lading issued by the first of multiple connecting carriers who are going to ship the goods. By issuing the document, the first carrier assumes responsibility for the other carriers for the shipmentÂ’s eventual arrival and delivery at the designated place and person.