What is Bill of Lading?

A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier (or their agent) to a shipper acknowledging the receipt of cargo for transport. It serves three critical functions: (1) a receipt confirming goods were loaded, (2) a contract of carriage defining the terms of transportation, and (3) a document of title that can transfer ownership of the goods. There are several types, including ocean bills of lading, inland bills of lading, and through bills of lading. A 'clean' B/L indicates goods were received in good condition; a 'foul' B/L notes damage or discrepancies.

The bill of lading is a foundational trade document that establishes the shipment chain. While it is not submitted as part of a CAPE refund claim, the B/L number often appears on the entry summary and is used to trace individual shipments back to the original import transaction when verifying refund eligibility.