What Is a Bill of Lading? The Shipping Document for Your Vehicle

What does a bill of lading show?

• The shipper (who sends the vehicle) and the consignee (who receives it)
• A notify party, often the customs broker at the destination
• The vehicle: make, model, VIN, size and weight
• The port of loading and port of discharge
• The ship and voyage number, and the date it was loaded
• Whether freight is prepaid or payable at destination
• The terms of carriage on the back or by reference

What are the release types?

Original bill of lading

Printed originals, usually three. One original must be handed in at the destination before the vehicle is released, so it has to be couriered to the consignee

Telex release (surrender)

The originals are handed back at the loading end and the line tells its destination office electronically to release the vehicle. Fast, no courier

Sea waybill (express release)

No originals at all: the named consignee collects with identification. Used when the shipper and receiver are the same person or trust each other

For most private customers moving their own vehicle we use a telex release or sea waybill, so nothing has to be posted. Where a vehicle is being sold, an original bill of lading lets the seller keep control until they are paid.

When is it issued?

After the ship sails and the freight is paid. A draft is sent first: check the names, addresses and VIN carefully, because changes after issue can cost a correction fee and delay customs clearance at the destination.

Exporting from the USA: why the title matters

US Customs and Border Protection must receive the vehicle's original title, or a certified copy, and the export information at least 72 hours before the vehicle is exported. The title must be free of any lien. Without it the vehicle cannot be loaded, so have the title in hand before you book a US export.

Importing a car into the USA →

Bill of lading or arrival notice?

The arrival notice comes from the shipping line or its agent at the destination when the ship is due. It lists the charges payable there and the free days before storage starts. You need both documents to clear customs and collect.

Demurrage and port storage: how free days work →

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