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---56# Bill of Lading78Produces 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.910## Prerequisites11121. **Parties** — shipper, consignee, notify party legal names, addresses, contacts132. **Booking & voyage** — booking confirmation, vessel/voyage, ports, delivery terms143. **Cargo details** — packing list, commercial invoice, marks/numbers, weights, measurements154. **Commercial terms** — Incoterms, freight payment (prepaid/collect), currency, charges165. **Special requirements** — insurance/declared value instructions, special handling, hazmat data (UN number, IMDG class) if applicable1718## Output Structure1920### 1) Document Header2122| 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 |3132### 2) Shipment Routing3334| 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 |4041### 3) Cargo Description4243| 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 |5354### 4) Freight and Charges5556| 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 |6364### 5) Core Clauses Checklist6566- [ ] Receipt in apparent good order unless claused67- [ ] Carrier duty of due diligence — vessel seaworthiness68- [ ] 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 fault72- [ ] General average clause and GA contribution security73- [ ] Carrier lien for unpaid freight/charges74- [ ] Governing law, forum selection, or arbitration clause75- [ ] Himalaya clause extending defenses to agents/subcontractors76- [ ] Both-to-blame collision clause (if used by carrier)7778### 6) Negotiability and Originals7980- State number of originals issued; surrender of one renders others void81- Straight B/L: state non-negotiable, identify consignee82- Electronic B/L: specify system and rules governing eBL transfer8384### 7) Signature Blocks8586- Carrier or agent: signature, name, title, date87- Shipper signature if required by carrier practice88- Clausing space for exceptions to condition/quantity8990## Guidelines9192- Mirror packing list, booking, and shipper instructions exactly — never fabricate data93- 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 accurately95- Align freight term with Incoterms and buyer/seller responsibilities96- Multimodal or door-to-door: clarify scope and liability regime for each leg97- Treat HS codes, weights, and counts as shipper-provided; avoid guarantees98- Flag jurisdiction-specific mandates or carrier standard terms that must attach
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