Bill of Lading (BoL or BL) is one of the most important trade documents. Issued by a carrier to a shipper, the BL details the type, quantity, and destination of goods that are being transported. The holder of the BL has the right to claim the goods.
Usually issued as a physical paper document signed and stamped by the carrier, or as PDF files, the BL serves three main purposes:
- Receipt for shipped goods
- Contract between shipper and carrier
- Document of title to the goods
The problem with the traditional (paper) BL is that they move painfully slowly through international mail systems, creating costly delays when ships arrive before paperwork does. They can be lost, damaged, or even forged, which can leave valuable cargo stranded at ports.
Even though the PDF BL travel faster than paper, they lack the legal recognition needed for true ownership transfer in many countries, creating trust issues. PDFs are also easy to copy without authorisation, making it difficult to prove which version is the legitimate original that gives you rights to claim the goods.
That’s why the electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) is becoming more popular nowadays, giving businesses a host of benefits:
- Instant document transfer times
- Improved cash flow and reduced delays
- Low cost, user-friendly digital experience
- Easy access by all parties
- Enhanced security and data privacy
Learn more how to create eBLs with trace:original here.