What Is a Bill of Lading ?

 Bill of Lading 

 A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. A bill of lading also serves as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the goods at a predetermined destination. This document must accompany the shipped products, no matter the form of transportation, and must be signed by an authorized representative from the carrier, shipper, and receiver. Key Takeaways  A bill of lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried.  A bill of lading is a document of title, a receipt for shipped goods, and a contract between a carrier and shipper.1  This document must accompany the shipped goods and must be signed by an authorized representative from the carrier, shipper, and receiver.  If managed and reviewed properly, a bill of lading can help prevent asset theft.