Logistics, Trade Administration and Supply Chain

A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier to a shipper, signed by the captain, agent or owner of a vessel, furnishing written evidence regarding receipt of the cargo, the conditions on which transportation is made (contract of carriage) and the engagement to deliver goods as the prescribed port of destination to the lawful holder of the bill of lading. A bill of lading is, therefore both a receipt for the merchandise and a contract to deliver it as freight. There are a number of different types of bill of lading a number of issues that relate to them as a group of documents. Straight Bill of Lading (Non-Negotiable) A straight bill of lading indicates that the shipper will deliver the goods to the consignee. The document itself does not give title to the goods (making it non-negotiable). The consignee need only to identify himself to claim the goods. A straight bill of lading is often used when payment for the goods has already been made in advance or in cases where

Documents play a key role in international transactions. Both buyers and sellers need documents for bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, export and import formalities, as well as making payments using letters of credit and other documentary payment methods. This segment will give some examples of the most commonly used documents in the international trade. It is not an exhaustive listing. Specialized trades, special circumstances and different countries of origin and destination may require additional documentation. Transaction Documents The key transaction document is the invoice or commercial invoice. This document is used by all parties to the transaction for accounting and bookkeeping purposes. It is also required for export and import formalities as well as most banking and payment procedures. Export Documents These are documents required by the customs or national export authority of the country of export and vary greatly from country to country. Included are licenses,