B/L (Bill of Lading)

What is B/L?

The ocean carrier's document that acts as receipt, contract of carriage and — for an original negotiable B/L — title to the goods. Cargo is released only against the original B/L or a telex release, which is why presenting the B/L copy is usually the trigger for the balance payment.

At a glance

Category

Trade & logistics

Also known as

Bill of Lading · 선하증권

Korean term

선하증권

Last reviewed

July 23, 2026

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