GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Forwarder's Bill of Lading
When a freight forwarder acts as principal carrier toward the shipper – rather than as a mere agent – it issues its own transport document: the Forwarder's Bill of Lading, commonly abbreviated FBL.
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Source: https://fiata.org/resources/documents/
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When a freight forwarder acts as principal carrier toward the shipper – rather than as a mere agent – it issues its own transport document: the Forwarder's Bill of Lading, commonly abbreviated FBL. The forwarder thereby assumes responsibility for the entire carriage, even where individual legs are subcontracted or multiple modes are combined. For the shipper, the FBL serves as receipt of cargo and establishes the contractual terms between the two parties; it carries no standing as an original bill of lading vis-à-vis the actual shipping line. Unlike a negotiable sea bill of lading, the FBL is not freely transferable by endorsement. Its acceptance under letters of credit depends on whether the credit explicitly permits forwarder-issued documents – a point both shippers and banks must verify carefully. FIATA has developed a standardised FBL form that enjoys broad recognition in international trade.
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