1---2name: bill-of-lading3description: >-4 Drafts a U.S. ocean Bill of Lading (B/L) functioning as receipt, contract of5 carriage, and document of title under COGSA or Hague-Visby. Covers negotiable6 and straight B/Ls, cargo description, freight allocation, and core carriage7 clauses. Use when drafting or reviewing a bill of lading, master/house B/L,8 ocean shipment documentation, or title transfer. Trigger keywords: bill of9 lading, B/L, ocean carriage, COGSA, Hague-Visby, negotiable, straight,10 master bill, house bill.11tags:12 - agreement13 - drafting14 - regulatory15---1617# Bill of Lading1819Produces 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.2021## Prerequisites22231. **Parties** — shipper, consignee, notify party legal names, addresses, contacts242. **Booking & voyage** — booking confirmation, vessel/voyage, ports, delivery terms253. **Cargo details** — packing list, commercial invoice, marks/numbers, weights, measurements264. **Commercial terms** — Incoterms, freight payment (prepaid/collect), currency, charges275. **Special requirements** — insurance/declared value instructions, special handling, hazmat data (UN number, IMDG class) if applicable2829## Output Structure3031### 1) Document Header3233| Field | Req | Notes |34|---|---|---|35| B/L Number | Yes | Unique identifier |36| B/L Type | Yes | `Negotiable` or `Straight (Non-negotiable)` |37| Issue Place/Date | Yes | City, country, date |38| Carrier / Shipper / Consignee | Yes | Legal name and address each |39| Notify Party | Opt | If applicable |40| Vessel/Voyage / Booking No. | Opt | If known |41| Container/Seal Nos. | Opt | If applicable |4243### 2) Shipment Routing4445| Field | Req | Notes |46|---|---|---|47| Place of Receipt | Yes | Terminal or facility |48| Port of Loading / Discharge | Yes | Port code if available |49| Place of Delivery | Yes | Final destination |50| Transshipment | Opt | Intermediate ports |5152### 3) Cargo Description5354| Field | Req | Notes |55|---|---|---|56| Description of Goods | Yes | Trade description; do not speculate |57| Packages/Units | Yes | Count and unit type |58| Gross Weight | Yes | With unit |59| Marks/Numbers / HS Code | Opt | As on packages; shipper-provided |60| Measurement / Packaging | Opt | CBM; type and condition |61| Declared Value | Opt | If higher liability requested |62| Special Handling | Opt | Fragile, reefer, etc. |63| HazMat | Cond | IMDG class, UN number |6465### 4) Freight and Charges6667| Field | Req | Notes |68|---|---|---|69| Freight Term | Yes | Prepaid or Collect |70| Rate Basis | Yes | Per container/weight/measure |71| Currency | Yes | ISO code |72| Additional Charges | Opt | THC, docs, fuel, security |73| Payment Due | Opt | Date or upon release |7475### 5) Core Clauses Checklist7677- [ ] Receipt in apparent good order unless claused78- [ ] Carrier duty of due diligence — vessel seaworthiness79- [ ] Liability limitation: COGSA $500/package or customary freight unit unless higher value declared and paid [VERIFY]80- [ ] Notice of loss/damage timing (apparent vs. concealed) [VERIFY]81- [ ] Time bar: COGSA one year from delivery or due date [VERIFY]82- [ ] Exceptions: perils of the sea, act of God, inherent vice, shipper fault83- [ ] General average clause and GA contribution security84- [ ] Carrier lien for unpaid freight/charges85- [ ] Governing law, forum selection, or arbitration clause86- [ ] Himalaya clause extending defenses to agents/subcontractors87- [ ] Both-to-blame collision clause (if used by carrier)8889### 6) Negotiability and Originals9091- State number of originals issued; surrender of one renders others void92- Straight B/L: state non-negotiable, identify consignee93- Electronic B/L: specify system and rules governing eBL transfer9495### 7) Signature Blocks9697- Carrier or agent: signature, name, title, date98- Shipper signature if required by carrier practice99- Clausing space for exceptions to condition/quantity100101## Guidelines102103- Mirror packing list, booking, and shipper instructions exactly — never fabricate data104- If Hague-Visby or another regime governs, state it expressly and remove conflicting COGSA language [VERIFY]105- For L/C shipments, issue clean B/L only if no visible damage; otherwise clause accurately106- Align freight term with Incoterms and buyer/seller responsibilities107- Multimodal or door-to-door: clarify scope and liability regime for each leg108- Treat HS codes, weights, and counts as shipper-provided; avoid guarantees109- Flag jurisdiction-specific mandates or carrier standard terms that must attach
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