1---2name: bill-of-lading3description: Drafts a U.S. ocean Bill of Lading (B/L) functioning as receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title under COGSA or Hague-Visby. Covers negotiable and straight B/Ls, cargo description, freight allocation, and core carriage clauses. Use when drafting or reviewing a bill of lading, master/house B/L, ocean shipment documentation, or title transfer. Trigger keywords: bill of lading, B/L, ocean carriage, COGSA, Hague-Visby, negotiable, straight, master bill, house bill.4---5
6# Bill of Lading
7
8Produces a complete B/L that memorializes shipment, allocates risk, and complies with the governing carriage regime. Populate every field from source documents only — never invent data.
9
10## Prerequisites
11
121. **Parties** — shipper, consignee, notify party legal names, addresses, contacts
132. **Booking & voyage** — booking confirmation, vessel/voyage, ports, delivery terms
143. **Cargo details** — packing list, commercial invoice, marks/numbers, weights, measurements
154. **Commercial terms** — Incoterms, freight payment (prepaid/collect), currency, charges
165. **Special requirements** — insurance/declared value instructions, special handling, hazmat data (UN number, IMDG class) if applicable
17
18## Output Structure
19
20### 1) Document Header
21
22| Field | Req | Notes |
23|---|---|---|
24| B/L Number | Yes | Unique identifier |
25| B/L Type | Yes | `Negotiable` or `Straight (Non-negotiable)` |
26| Issue Place/Date | Yes | City, country, date |
27| Carrier / Shipper / Consignee | Yes | Legal name and address each |
28| Notify Party | Opt | If applicable |
29| Vessel/Voyage / Booking No. | Opt | If known |
30| Container/Seal Nos. | Opt | If applicable |
31
32### 2) Shipment Routing
33
34| Field | Req | Notes |
35|---|---|---|
36| Place of Receipt | Yes | Terminal or facility |
37| Port of Loading / Discharge | Yes | Port code if available |
38| Place of Delivery | Yes | Final destination |
39| Transshipment | Opt | Intermediate ports |
40
41### 3) Cargo Description
42
43| Field | Req | Notes |
44|---|---|---|
45| Description of Goods | Yes | Trade description; do not speculate |
46| Packages/Units | Yes | Count and unit type |
47| Gross Weight | Yes | With unit |
48| Marks/Numbers / HS Code | Opt | As on packages; shipper-provided |
49| Measurement / Packaging | Opt | CBM; type and condition |
50| Declared Value | Opt | If higher liability requested |
51| Special Handling | Opt | Fragile, reefer, etc. |
52| HazMat | Cond | IMDG class, UN number |
53
54### 4) Freight and Charges
55
56| Field | Req | Notes |
57|---|---|---|
58| Freight Term | Yes | Prepaid or Collect |
59| Rate Basis | Yes | Per container/weight/measure |
60| Currency | Yes | ISO code |
61| Additional Charges | Opt | THC, docs, fuel, security |
62| Payment Due | Opt | Date or upon release |
63
64### 5) Core Clauses Checklist
65
66- [ ] Receipt in apparent good order unless claused
67- [ ] Carrier duty of due diligence — vessel seaworthiness
68- [ ] Liability limitation: COGSA $500/package or customary freight unit unless higher value declared and paid [VERIFY]
69- [ ] Notice of loss/damage timing (apparent vs. concealed) [VERIFY]
70- [ ] Time bar: COGSA one year from delivery or due date [VERIFY]
71- [ ] Exceptions: perils of the sea, act of God, inherent vice, shipper fault
72- [ ] General average clause and GA contribution security
73- [ ] Carrier lien for unpaid freight/charges
74- [ ] Governing law, forum selection, or arbitration clause
75- [ ] Himalaya clause extending defenses to agents/subcontractors
76- [ ] Both-to-blame collision clause (if used by carrier)
77
78### 6) Negotiability and Originals
79
80- State number of originals issued; surrender of one renders others void
81- Straight B/L: state non-negotiable, identify consignee
82- Electronic B/L: specify system and rules governing eBL transfer
83
84### 7) Signature Blocks
85
86- Carrier or agent: signature, name, title, date
87- Shipper signature if required by carrier practice
88- Clausing space for exceptions to condition/quantity
89
90## Guidelines
91
92- Mirror packing list, booking, and shipper instructions exactly — never fabricate data
93- If Hague-Visby or another regime governs, state it expressly and remove conflicting COGSA language [VERIFY]
94- For L/C shipments, issue clean B/L only if no visible damage; otherwise clause accurately
95- Align freight term with Incoterms and buyer/seller responsibilities
96- Multimodal or door-to-door: clarify scope and liability regime for each leg
97- Treat HS codes, weights, and counts as shipper-provided; avoid guarantees
98- Flag jurisdiction-specific mandates or carrier standard terms that must attach
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