# Ocean Bill of Lading

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> The ocean bill of lading (B/L) is issued by the carrier or its agent upon receipt of cargo for shipment and performs three functions simultaneously: it evidences the contract of carriage, serves as a receipt for the goods as described, and – when issued to order – constitutes a negotiable document of title entitling the lawful holder to claim delivery at the port of destination.

The ocean bill of lading (B/L) is issued by the carrier or its agent upon receipt of cargo for shipment and performs three functions simultaneously: it evidences the contract of carriage, serves as a receipt for the goods as described, and – when issued to order – constitutes a negotiable document of title entitling the lawful holder to claim delivery at the port of destination. In documentary credit transactions, a full set of original bills of lading is routinely required before payment is released. Electronic bills of lading (e-B/L) are gaining traction as legally recognised alternatives in a growing number of jurisdictions. The ocean B/L should not be confused with the sea waybill, which is non-negotiable and requires no physical presentation at destination – making it the preferred choice for intra-group shipments or established trading relationships where title transfer is not needed.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Ocean Bill of Lading |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 142 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading |

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