A bill of lading is the core shipping document that works as a receipt for cargo, a contract of carriage, and often a document of title. Several types serve different needs. A straight bill names a single consignee and is not negotiable. An order bill is negotiable and can be transferred by endorsement, which lets banks use it in trade finance. A bearer bill passes to whoever holds it.
Bills also divide by stage and condition: a received-for-shipment bill confirms the carrier holds the goods, a shipped on board bill confirms they are loaded, a clean bill shows no damage noted, and a claused bill records a problem. Texas International Freight issues the right bill for your move alongside the notify party and combined transport details.
