The bill of lading (in ocean transport), waybill or consignment note (in air, road, rail or sea transport),

and receipt (in postal or courier delivery) are collectively known as the transport documents.

Please see the sample Ocean Bill of Lading below.

The bill of lading (B/L) serves as a receipt for goods, an evidence of the contract of carriage,and a document of title to the goods. The carrier issues the B/L according to the information in a dock receipt,

or in some cases according to a completed working copy of the B/L supplied by the customs broker.

The B/L must indicate that the goods have been loaded on board orshipped on a named vessel,

and it must besigned or authenticated by the carrier or the master,

or the agent on behalf of the carrier or the master.

The signature or authentication must be identified as carrier or master,and in the case of agent signing

or authenticating, the name and capacity of the carrier or the master on whose behalf such agent signs

or authenticates must be indicated.Unless otherwise stipulated in the letter of credit (L/C),

a bill of lading containing an indication that it is subject to a charter party and/or that the vessel is propelled by sail only is not acceptable.