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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 maritime transport document (often abbreviated as BOL or B/L) is one of the most crucial export forms involved in the process.

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

Why It Matters

This shipping manifest is more than just a receipt. It serves three major purposes:

It acts as a legal agreement 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 global transit from the USA.
It can serve as proof of ownership, demonstrating who owns 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 export documentation applies to your cargo, as it determines how the goods will be released at the destination.

Types of International Shipping Documents

There are several forms of freight receipts used in international cargo transportation. The most common are:

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

This is a non-negotiable release form.

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 with strict import regulations (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and some African nations).

Getting Your Shipping Paperwork

If you book sea freight from the U.S. using AMID Logistics' online freight calculator:

We typically issue an email with a PDF of the Express Release paperwork once the final invoice is paid and the cargo departs the USA.
If original title documents 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 physical documentation is required, even though the destination allows express release.

What If the Paperwork 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 electronic releases.

Double-check the consignee's information on the shipping forms before shipment, as corrections made afterward can be time-consuming and costly.

Keep a copy of the official BOL on hand for tracking and pickup.

Remember, only the ocean freight contract (not any U.S. domestic documents) serves as the legal proof of international shipment from the USA.

Working with a reliable logistics provider helps ensure that your maritime paperwork is issued correctly and that your international shipping process remains smooth and compliant.