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B/L General Information
| Item | Field | Current definition of field | Data input format | 1.3 Prepare B/L | Conditions (if applicable) | 1.4 Issue B/L mandatory/conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transport document Issuer | shipping line - carrier | Entity NameAddressPhoneFaxWebsiteIssuer ID (e.g.SCAC Code). | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 2 | Shipper | a person or a company responsible for organizing and transporting the goods from one point to another | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax ID. | Mandatory | Can be left blank until submission of SI if booking party (Shipper forwarding agent) is provided at time of booking request. | Mandatory |
| 3 | Consignee | A person or a company to whom commodities/goods are delivered to | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax IDto order identifier. | Conditional | For ‘to order’ B/Lthe consignee is blank | Conditional |
| 4 | Invoice Payer | The party responsible for settling payment of freight to the carrier. | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax IDto order identifier. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 5 | Notify party | The party/company to be notified of arrival of goods | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax ID. | Optional | Only when a notify party is provided and in case of a ‘to order’ B/L | Conditional |
| 6 | Also notify | A party (person or company) who should also be notified of the arrival of the cargo along with Notify party. | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax ID. | Optional | Optional | |
| 7 | Shipper Forwarding Agent | the party arranging the carriage of goods on behalf of a shipper | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax ID. | Optional | Optional | |
| 8 | Consignee Forwarding Agent | The party arranging the carriage of goods on behalf of a consignee | Company namephysical address (should be provided in structured formatbut can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement)person contact nameemail or faxphone and LEI or Tax ID. | Optional | Optional | |
| 9 | Place of Receipt | The location where the cargo is handed over by the shipperor his agentto the shipping line. This indicates the point at which the shipping line takes on responsibility for carriage of the container. | Physical location dependent on mode of transport and/or UN LOCODE. | Conditional | Only when pre-carriage is done by the carrier. | Conditional (see column I) |
| 10 | Port of Loading | Port where the cargo is loaded on board the vessel. | Port location international name. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 11 | Port of Discharge | Port where the cargo is actually unloaded from the vessel | Port location international name. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 12 | Place of Delivery | The location where the cargo is handed over to the consigneeor his agentby the shipping line and where responsibility of the shipping line ceases. | Physical locationname. | Conditional | Only when onward transport is done by the carrier. | Conditional (see column I) |
| 13 | Onward inland routing | The location where the cargo is transported from port of discharge to consignee location on consignee's responsibility (merchant haulage). | Physical locationname. | Conditional | When onward transport is done by customer | Conditional (if requested by shipper) |
| 14 | Receipt/Delivery Type |
Indicates the type of service offered at the place of receipt and place of delivery. The options are |
CY/CFS/SD code Specify export and import (origin-destination)e.g.CY / CYCY / SD. |
Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 15 |
Cargo Movement Type (FCLLCL and BB) |
- FCL stands for "Full Container Load" and means that the Shipper /Consignee or its agent or subcontractor is responsible for stuffing/stripping the cargo into/out of the container and who bears every responsibility /liability in such respect. |
Shipment terms always have two components:"(I)/(II)" where (I) refers to the loading of the cargo into the Container and (II) to the unloading of the cargo out of the Container. LCL/FCL for example means that the cargo was stuffed into the Container by the Carrier but unloaded by the Consignee. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 16 |
Vessel |
Name of the vessel transporting the cargo from one place to another. |
The name of the first sea going vessel on board which the cargo is loaded or intended to be loaded. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 17 | Voyage Number |
Numeric identification of the vessel. |
Alphanumeric identifier. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 18 | Marks and Numbers |
The identifying details on a package or the actual markings that appear on the package(s). This information is provided by the customer. |
Any text the shipper wishes to add. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 19 | Description of goods |
The accurate details that describe the cargo being shipped in the container(s) which is to be provided by the shipper. |
Text describing the goods which may contain the number of cartonsbagspalletsor other units packed in the Container(s). | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 20 | Commodity |
an accurate description of the goods inside the container that are being transported. |
Text describing the goods being booked for transportation | N/A | N/A | |
| 21 | HS code |
Classification of the product that is being transported in the container. This classification is a 6-digit code which is defined in the WCO (world customs organization). |
4/6/8/10 numeric characters. | Mandatory | Depends on customs/country requirements | Conditional |
| 22 | Cargo gross weight (per container) |
The grand total weight of the cargo and weight per container(s) including packaging items being carriedwhich can be expressed in imperial or metric termsas provided by the shipper. Excludes the tare weight of the container(s). |
Gross cargo weight described as a numeric string where the unit of measure must be specified (imperial or metric). | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 23 | Verified Gross Mass (VGM) |
A declaration made by the shipperor a person authorized by the shipperinforming the carrier or its agent of the gross weight of the container including cargo weightbracingdunnageand container tare weight. |
Gross cargo weight described as a numeric string where the unit of measure must be specified (imperial or metric). | Optional | N/A | |
| 24 | Total Container Weight |
Includes Cargo Gross Weight plus Container Tare Weight. It is populated based on data in the cargo gross weight and container tare weight fields. |
Prepopulated field by the carrier based on weight and container tare weight. | N/A | Optional | |
| 25 | Measurement |
Volumewhich is calculated by multiplying the widthheightand length of the packed cargocan be expressed in cubic meter or cubic feetas provided by the shipper. |
Measurement of cargo described as a numeric string in imperial or metric units. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 26 | Invoice payable at |
Location where payment will be rendered by the customer. Usually refers to Basic Ocean Freight alone. |
Physical locationnaming according to local standards. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 27 | Place of issue |
Location where the original bill of lading was issued. |
Physical locationnaming according to local standards. | Conditional | Not applicable for EB/L | Mandatory |
| 28 | Issue Date |
Date when the original bill of lading was issued. |
Local date at place of issueISO-8601 format. | Optional | Mandatory | |
| 29 | Number of original B/Ls |
Number of original B/L copies that have been issued to the customer. |
A number | Conditional | Not applicable for EB/L | Mandatory |
| 30 | Number of B/L copies |
Number of B/L copies which have been issued to the customer. |
A number | Optional | N/A | |
| 31 | Carrier booking number |
The reservation numberwhich is provided to the customer by the carrierto secure the cargo /equipment and is used also as the final B/L number. |
Unique set of alphanumeric characters provided by carrier. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 32 | Container number |
A unique identifier of the container used to carry the cargo. The length/type of the sequence can be different for shipper-owned containers. Container number includes a unique serial number (with check digit)the owner and a country code. |
Alphanumeric sequenceusually composed of 4 letters and 7 numbers. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 33 | Container size/type |
A specification of the type and size of containere.g.dryreeferopen-top etc. |
4-character alphanumeric code. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 34 | Shipper LEI or TAX ID |
An identifying number of the shipper (Individual or entity) used for tax purposes. |
Alphanumeric string provided by the shipper. | Conditional | Conditional based on customs requirements | Conditional |
| 35 | Consignee LEI or TAX ID |
An identifying number of the consignee (Individual or entity) used for tax purposes. |
Alphanumeric string provided by the consignee. | Conditional | Conditional based on customs requirements | Conditional |
| 36 | Notify party LEI or TAX ID |
An identifying number of the notify party (Individual or entity) used for tax purposes. |
Alphanumeric string provided by the consignee. | Conditional | Conditional based on customs requirements | N/A |
| 37 | Seal Number |
An identification number of a seal affixed to the container. |
Set of alphanumeric characters provided by the carrier. | Conditional | Not applicable for flat rack containers | Mandatory |
| 38 | Seal source |
The seal provider. |
Carriershippercustomsor veterinary seals. | Conditional | Conditional on type of commodity | Conditional |
| 39 | Address |
A physical address including postal code and country code in a structured format. If an unstructured format is required for L/C or other purposes this must be provided separately. |
Address should be provided in structured format but can be printed as unstructured to match L/C requirement. | Mandatory | Mandatory | |
| 40 | Phone |
Contact number of the individual or customer. |
Numeric string including country-specific dialing codes. | Mandatory | N/A | |
| 41 |
Unique identifier for an email account of the customer that is used to both send and receive email messages over the Internet. |
String including an account name (varchar) followed by a @ and completed with a domain name. | Mandatory | N/A | ||
| 42 | Fax |
Phone number connected to a customer’s printer. |
Numeric string including country-specific dialing codes. | Optional | N/A | |
| 43 | Container tare weight |
The weight of an empty container. |
Gross container weight described as a numeric string where the unit of measure must be specified (imperial or metric). | Conditional | Only with shipper-owned containers | Conditional (see column I) |
| 44 | Transport document number |
Unique identifier of the transport document allocated by the shipping line. Under certain conditions provided by the customer in the SI. It is the main number used for tracking the status of the shipment. |
Set of unique alphanumeric characterspossibly including a prefix as provided by the carrier. | Conditional | When the B/L is printed at the shipper locationthe B/L number is provided by shipper from a range provided by the carrier. | Mandatory |
| 45 | Export Reference Number |
Identification number provided by shipper. |
String of letters and numbers (alphanumeric input). | Optional | Optional | |
| 46 | Point and country of origin of goods |
The location where the goods shipped are manufactured and/or produced. |
Physical locationnaming according to local standard. | Optional | Optional | |
| 47 | Pre carried by |
Place and mode of transportation for pre-carriage (e.g.truckbargerail)under carrier’s responsibility. |
Truckrailbarge and/or vessel/voyage. | Conditional | When initial transport is organized by the carrier | Optional |
| 48 | Pre carried under shipper’s responsibility |
Place and mode of transportation for pre-carriage (e.g.truckbargerail)under shipper's responsibility. |
UN LOCODE displayed name and truckrailor barge. | Conditional | When initial transport is organized by the customer | Optional |
| 49 | Shipped Onboard date |
Date when the last container that is linked to the bill of lading is physically on board the vessel indicated on the bill of lading. |
Local date at place of issueISO-8601 format. | N/A | Mandatory | |
| 50 | Received for shipment date |
Date when the last container linked to the B/L is physically in the terminal and customs cleared for the intended vessel. |
Local date at place of issueISO-8601 format. |
N/A |
Optional | |
| 51 | Signed By (Signature) |
Field where the responsible person (Carrier’s agent) issuing the original bill of lading to the customer signs. |
Carrier signature (digital or physicalprinted signature). |
N/A |
Mandatory | |
| 52 | SCAC |
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique code used to identify vessel operating common carriers (VOCC). |
4-character code |
Conditional |
Only for shipments to USA | Optional |
| 53 | Freight and charges |
The different charges applicable for a customer to pay the carrier. |
Numeric string in the form of currency with a maximum of 2-digit decimals. |
N/A |
Based on country requirements | Conditional |
| 54 |
Payment terms |
Indicates whether freight & charges are due for payment before the shipment is affectedbefore the transport document is released to shipper (Prepaid)or before the shipment is finalized and cargo is released to consignee (Collect). |
3-character code to identify INCO terms. |
Mandatory |
Mandatory | |
| 55 |
Terms and conditions |
Carrier general terms and conditions printed on page 1 of the transport document. |
Standard text per carrier |
N/A |
Mandatory | |
| 56 |
Total number of containers or packages received by the Carrier |
In case of a CY receiptthis indicates the number of containers linked to a shipment. In case of a CFS receiptthis indicates the number of packages received by the carrier. |
Numeric value |
Mandatory |
In steps 1 and 2only mandatory in case of number of containers | Mandatory |
| 57 |
Carrier Clauses |
Additional clauses for a specific shipment added by the carrier to the bill of ladingsubject to local rules/guidelines or certain mandatory information required to be shared with the customer. |
Standard text |
Conditional |
Clauses added by the carrier to the bill of lading subject to local rules / guidelines or certain mandatory information required to be shared with the customer. Is not a separate field on the bill of lading and usually printed below cargo description | Conditional (see column I) |
| 58 |
Unit |
The unit of measurement for the charge. |
A unit of measure |
Optional |
Optional | |
| 59 |
Currency |
The currency in which the charge is billed. |
Currency unit; 3-character code (ISO 4217) |
Optional |
Optional | |
| 60 |
Prepaid Amount |
The amount to be paid prior to shipment being affected. |
Numeric string in the form of currency with a maximum of 2-digit decimals. |
Optional |
Optional | |
| 61 |
Collect Amount |
The amount to be paid upon the release of the cargo. |
Numeric string in the form of currency with a maximum of 2-digit decimals. |
Optional |
Optional | |
| 62 |
Service Contract |
Reference number for agreement between shipper and carrier through which the shipper commits to provide a certain minimum quantity of cargo over a fixed period and the carrier commits to a certain rate or rate schedule |
Unique numeric string as provided by the shipper and confirmed by the carrier. |
Optional |
Optional | |
| 63 |
Declared Value |
Filled out when the shipper declares the value of the cargo in order to avoid the carrier's limitation of liability and "Ad Valorem" freight is paidi.e.freight is calculated on the basis of the value of the goods declared by the shipper. |
Numeric value |
Optional |
If customers want the value to showevidence is requiredand customers need to approve additional insurance fee charge from the carrier (very exceptional). | Conditional |
| 64 |
Disclaimer |
A clause used when printing an electronic B/L that specifies that it is not valid on paper. |
Text - "original electronically issuednot valid on paper". |
Conditional |
Only applicable for EBL. | Conditional |
| 65 |
Transport document type |
Specification of the transport document type to be issued by the carrier. Options are either B/L or Sea Waybill. |
Text - two input options: B/L or Sea Waybill. |
Mandatory |
Mandatory | |
| 66 |
Reefer Temperature setting |
The setting requested by the customer at time of booking request for the carrier to operationally set when releasing containers. May be expressed as a range min/max and a date range. |
Fahrenheit /Celsius; Positive/Negative. |
Conditional |
Conditional on being a live reefer (as opposed to non-operating reefer). | Conditional |
| 67 |
Reefer Humidity |
The setting requested by the customer at time of booking request for the carrier to operationally set when releasing containers. May be expressed as a range min/max and a date range. |
PCT |
Conditional |
Conditional on being a live reefer (as opposed to non-operating reefer). | Conditional |
| 68 |
Reefer Ventilation |
The setting requested by the customer at time of booking request for the carrier to operationally set when releasing containers. May be expressed as a range min/max and a date range. |
CBM/HR |
Conditional |
Conditional on being a live reefer (as opposed to non-operating reefer). | Conditional |
| 69 |
Forwarding agent Reference Number |
Identification number provided by forwarding agent. |
String of letters and numbers (alphanumeric input). |
Optional |
Optional | |
| 70 |
Consignee Reference Number |
Identification number provided by Consignee. |
String of letters and numbers (alphanumeric input). |
Optional |
Optional |