Template

Bill of Lading template

See what a bill of lading includes and create a draft in CargoFide — with a client approval and revision loop before the carrier issues the final B/L.

Use it online — free

Create your bill of lading online

Fill it in your browser and export a print-ready PDF — free, no sign-up required.

Create it in CargoFide

Build your bill of lading inside the application

Generate the bill of lading from your shipment data, keep it consistent with your packing list and B/L, and let the validation engine catch discrepancies before it's issued — then export a clean, print-ready PDF.

  • Pre-filled from shipment data
  • Cross-document validation
  • Print-ready PDF export

What's included

Inside the bill of lading

Shipper, consignee and notify party details

Carrier, vessel/voyage and load/discharge ports

Goods description, marks, packages, weight and measurement

Freight terms (prepaid / collect) and B/L number

FAQ

Bill of Lading — common questions

What is a bill of lading?

A bill of lading is the transport document a carrier issues for ocean cargo. It acts as a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title used to claim the cargo at destination.

What are the main types of bill of lading?

Common types include the original (negotiable) B/L, the seaway bill (non-negotiable), and telex release (which lets the consignee collect cargo without the physical original). The right type depends on the payment and trust arrangement.

What is the difference between a B/L and an air waybill?

A bill of lading is used for ocean cargo and can be a document of title; an air waybill is used for air cargo and is a non-negotiable receipt, not a document of title.

Does CargoFide prepare a bill of lading?

CargoFide prepares a draft bill of lading from your shipment data with a client approval and revision loop, so the details are verified before the carrier issues the final B/L.