Universal Bill Of Lading Template for United States

A Universal Bill of Lading is a legally binding document that serves as a receipt of goods, contract of carriage, and document of title in shipping transactions. Under U.S. law, it is governed by multiple federal regulations including COGSA and the Pomerene Act, providing standardized terms for maritime shipping while complying with international shipping conventions. It details the nature, quantity, and destination of goods being transported, along with terms and conditions of carriage.

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What is a Universal Bill Of Lading?

The Universal Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international trade and shipping, designed to meet the requirements of U.S. federal maritime regulations and international shipping conventions. It acts as a comprehensive document combining three crucial functions: receipt for cargo, contract of carriage, and document of title. This standardized format ensures consistency across different shipping lines while maintaining compliance with both domestic and international shipping regulations. The Universal Bill of Lading is particularly important for international shipments where multiple parties and jurisdictions are involved, providing clear documentation of ownership and transfer rights.

What sections should be included in a Universal Bill Of Lading?

1. Bill of Lading Number and Carrier Information: Unique identifier and complete details of the carrier, including company name, address, and contact information

2. Shipper/Exporter Information: Complete details of the party shipping the goods, including full name, address, and contact information

3. Consignee Information: Details of the party receiving the goods, including full name, address, and contact information

4. Notify Party: Details of the party to be notified upon arrival of goods, including contact information

5. Vessel and Voyage Information: Ship name, voyage number, port of loading, port of discharge, and relevant dates

6. Cargo Description: Detailed description of goods, including quantity, packaging type, weight, and measurements

7. Marks and Numbers: Identifying marks on packages and container numbers if applicable

8. Standard Terms and Conditions: Carrier's standard terms including liability limitations, governing law, and jurisdiction provisions

What sections are optional to include in a Universal Bill Of Lading?

1. Freight and Charges: Details of shipping costs, additional charges, and payment terms when freight is not prepaid or requires specification

2. Special Instructions: Specific handling or delivery requirements for cargo requiring special attention or treatment

3. Declared Value: Value declaration for insurance purposes when shipper wants to declare higher value than standard liability

What schedules should be included in a Universal Bill Of Lading?

1. Dangerous Goods Declaration: Detailed information about hazardous materials including UN numbers, class, and handling requirements

2. Container Packing List: Detailed list of contents per container including quantity, weight, and description of goods

3. Temperature Requirements: Specifications for temperature-controlled cargo including required temperature range and monitoring requirements

4. Customs Documentation: Additional documentation required for customs clearance including certificates of origin and permits

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Bill of Lading

Cost

Free to use

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