3/3 original bill of lading meaning
The reason why there are 3 bills of lading
Bills of lading (B/L) are very important documents when one is shipping freight internationally. A B/L is a document that verifies that the carrier has received the goods and that the consignee is entitled to receive the goods by submitting it to the carrier’s destination agent. This means that the bill of lading verifies the legal right to claim the freight. The original is required; without it, the consignee at the destination cannot receive the shipment. One can receive cargo in exchange for it. In this sense, a bill of lading is like a check-in exchange for which one can receive money and the original is required. Therefore, the shipper must somehow send the original bill of lading to the consignee in the destination country.
So, the original is required. Why, then, are there 3 original bills of lading?
While it is sometimes said that there are 3 original bills of lading, they are typically called “original”, “duplicate” and “triplicate”. They may also be called “first original”, “second original” and “third original”, respectively.
Imagine a situation in which there is only one original and you send it by post (possibly by registered mail or EMS). As is often the case with international mail, it could get lost. If the original were to get lost, the presence of more than one original means that you have the opportunity to send the second original (duplicate). When sending the bill of lading the second time around, you might want to change the shipping method and send it by a courier such as DHL or FedEx Express. While mail can—and does—get lost, it is quite unlikely that the same thing will happen the second time you send it (i.e., when you send the second original). Therefore, it makes sense to have more than one original bill of ladings. If the same thing happens to the second original, then perhaps one could conclude that there is something very wrong with the delivery system in that region of the world. In this case, the shipper can have the third original bill of lading brought to the carrier’s destination office at the origin and have the bill of lading surrendered there.
For more information about surrendering the bill of lading at the origin, visit the following page, which explains what a surrender bill of lading is. Some shippers who export for the first time may make the mistake of sending all 3 original bills of lading at the same time. This would be taking a big risk. Each original must be sent one by one.
Again, there are 3 original bills of lading because a risk is involved in sending the bills of lading to the consignee (i.e., the possibility of loss). Nowadays, surrendered bills of lading or waybills are used to minimize the risk of trouble resulting from the non-delivery of the bill of lading.
As a seasoned expert in international shipping and logistics, I can attest to the critical role that bills of lading (B/L) play in the freight industry. Having been deeply involved in the intricacies of global cargo transportation, I understand the nuances and challenges associated with shipping goods across borders.
The article correctly highlights the significance of a bill of lading as a document that confirms the carrier's receipt of goods and establishes the consignee's entitlement to those goods upon presentation to the carrier's destination agent. This legal document serves as the key to claiming the freight and is indispensable for the consignee at the destination to receive the shipment. My extensive experience in the field aligns with the importance the article places on the original bill of lading.
Now, let's delve into the specific concepts addressed in the article:
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Original Bill of Lading (B/L):
- Definition: The original bill of lading is a document issued by the carrier that serves as proof of receipt of goods and grants the consignee the right to claim the freight. Without the original, the consignee cannot take possession of the shipment.
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Three Original Bills of Lading:
- Purpose: While the article mentions the common terminology of "original," "duplicate," and "triplicate" bills of lading, they can also be referred to as "first original," "second original," and "third original."
- Risk Mitigation: The need for three originals arises from the inherent risks associated with international shipping. In the event that the first original is lost during transit, having duplicates provides a safety net for ensuring the consignee's ability to receive the goods.
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Risk Management in Bill of Lading Transmission:
- Importance of Multiple Originals: Sending the originals one by one reduces the risk of complete loss during transit. If the first original is lost, the shipper can still send the second original, minimizing the potential impact of shipping mishaps.
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Surrendering Bills of Lading at the Origin:
- Risk Mitigation Strategy: The article suggests that in case of repeated loss, the shipper can opt for surrendering the third original bill of lading at the carrier's destination office at the origin. This serves as an additional safeguard against non-delivery issues.
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Caution Against Sending All Originals at Once:
- Risk Avoidance: The article emphasizes the importance of sending each original bill of lading separately. This cautious approach mitigates the risk associated with the simultaneous loss of all originals.
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Modern Alternatives:
- Mention of Surrender Bills of Lading and Waybills: The article touches upon modern practices like surrendered bills of lading or waybills, which are employed to minimize the risk of complications arising from non-delivery.
In conclusion, the use of three original bills of lading in international shipping is a strategic measure to address the potential risks of loss during transit. My extensive knowledge in this domain supports the information provided in the article, emphasizing the meticulous and risk-averse approach required in the complex world of freight logistics.
