Bill of lading

A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier acknowledging the receipt of specified goods for conveyance to a particular named place, setting forth the contract between the consignor and the carrier, and providing for proper delivery of the goods. Legally it is a document of title with a right of possession (not a right of property), a proof of contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

In the United States the issuance and enforcement of bills of lading is governed by Article 7 of the Uniform Commercial Code. However, since bills of lading are most frequently used in overseas or airborne shipping, the laws of whatever other countries are involved in the transaction covered by a particular bill of lading may also be applicable.