[B029]

bill of lading

A document issued by the transportation carrier as receipt for the goods being shipped, which describes the voyage, vessel, date of sailing, and goods. It also states the carrier's liability, limitations and exemptions. Some bills of lading may be used as negotiable instruments. There are three types of bills of lading: under deck, on deck, and on board.

(See Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), endorsement in blank, and Harter Act.)