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Ocean Freight Bill of Lading (BOL) for Shipping Goods from the USA

In international shipping, particularly when using LCL (Less Than Container Load) freight from the United States, the Ocean Freight Bill of Lading (often abbreviated as BOL or B/L) is one of the most crucial documents involved in the process.

The ocean freight carrier issues it once your cargo is loaded for overseas transport. The bill of lading proves that the international shipping company has received your goods and is responsible for transporting them to the overseas destination.

Why It Matters

The Ocean Freight Bill of Lading (BOL) is more than just a shipping receipt. It serves three major purposes:

It acts as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the ocean freight carrier.
It is a receipt for goods, confirming that the cargo has been handed over and accepted for international shipment from the USA.
It can serve as a document of title, proving ownership of the goods at the destination.

A sample of sea freight bill of lading

If you are shipping goods internationally from the United States, ensure you understand which type of bill of lading applies to your cargo, as this determines how the goods will be released at the destination.

Types of Ocean Freight Bills of Lading

There are several forms of bills of lading used in international cargo transportation. The most common are:

Express Release (a.k.a. Telex Release or Surrender BOL):

This is a non-negotiable bill of lading.
The consignee can receive the goods at the destination without presenting the original documents.
Look for the phrase: "ZERO (0) – NO ORIGINALS REQUIRED FOR RELEASE".
This is commonly used in LCL shipments for its convenience and speed.

Original Set of Bills of Lading:

These are negotiable documents, often marked “To Order.”
You must present the complete set of originals to claim the cargo.
These are needed if the shipment will be bought or sold during transit, or when shipping to countries that don’t accept express releases (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and some African nations).

Getting Your Bill of Lading

If you book international shipping from the U.S. using AMID Logistics’ online freight calculator:

We typically issue an email with a PDF of the Express Release Ocean Freight Bill of Lading (BOL) once the final invoice is paid and the cargo departs the USA.
If original bills are required, please request them in advance.
We'll mail original sets for free via USPS First Class within the U.S. or Canada. For international mailing or expedited delivery, postage must be prepaid.
An additional $50 fee applies if original Bill of Lading (BOL) documents are required, even though the destination allows express release.

What If the BOL Is Lost or Needs Changes?

If the original bill of lading is required for release but is lost or needs correction, the ocean carrier may request a Letter of Indemnity (LOI). This document protects the carrier from liability and must be signed by the shipper, often accompanied by a bank guarantee, depending on the carrier’s policy.

Final Tips for Shippers

Always confirm whether the destination country accepts express releases.
Double-check the consignee's information on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before shipment, as corrections made afterward can be time-consuming and costly.
Keep a copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL) on hand for tracking and pickup.
Remember, only the ocean freight bill of lading (not any U.S. domestic documents) serves as the legal proof of international shipment from the USA.

Working with a reliable international shipping company helps ensure that your documents are issued correctly and that your international shipping process remains smooth and compliant.