The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the key document for every RoRo shipment. It serves simultaneously as the shipping company’s acknowledgement of receipt, as a contract of carriage and as a title to the goods. Without a correctly issued B/L, the cargo cannot be released at the port of destination. There are various types, such as the original B/L, the Sea Waybill and the Telex Release – depending on the requirements of the shipment.
The Bill of Lading – often referred to as a B/L or consignment note – is the most important transport document in international maritime shipping. It is issued by the shipping company or its agent as soon as the cargo has been loaded on board.
In the context of Ro-Ro shipments, the B/L records which vehicle or vessel was taken on board, when, where and in what condition. It accompanies the entire journey and forms the basis for the release of the cargo at the port of destination.
Whether you are the sender or the recipient, it is essential that you understand the B/L and handle it correctly – as errors in this document can delay the entire process.
In international maritime trade, the B/L fulfils three key functions:
Confirmation of Receipt (Receipt of Goods): The shipping company confirms that it took delivery of the cargo in a specific condition. This proof is important for insurance purposes and in the event of a claim.
Contract of Carriage: The B/L sets out the agreed terms of carriage – namely the route, the ports of departure and destination, and the responsibilities of both parties.
Title Deed (Document of Title): Anyone in possession of the original B/L has the right to take delivery of the cargo at the port of destination. This makes it a document similar to a security.
This threefold function makes the bill of lading an indispensable cornerstone of any shipment.
Depending on the transport requirements, different types of B/L are used:
| Type | Description of the | Title deed? |
| Original B/L | Issued in three original copies; physical dispatch required | Yes |
| Sea Waybill | Electronic document, not a title deed, faster processing | No |
| Telex Release | Shipping company releases cargo via electronic message | No (approval via message) |
The original B/L offers the highest level of security, but requires the physical dispatch of the documents. For many RoRo shipments, the telex release is the most practical solution, as it is quicker and less complicated.
A typical B/L contains a great deal of information. You should check the following fields particularly carefully:
Any typing error in these fields may lead to problems with customs clearance or release. You should therefore always check the document before the ship sets sail.
In practice, the same mistakes crop up time and again, even though they could be avoided:
Corrections made after the B/L has been issued are time-consuming and often incur a charge. Therefore, please ensure that all details are checked before the B/L is finally issued and that they are reconciled with the booking documents.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your B/L is correct and submitted on time:
Check the draft B/L: Always ask for a draft (Draft B/L) and check all the details before the final version is drawn up.
Keep copies in a safe place: Save digital copies of the B/L in several places – they are required for customs and insurance purposes.
Clarify the Telex release at an early stage: If you wish to use a Telex release, please check this with the shipping company before booking.
Communication with the recipient: Please ensure that the consignee at the port of destination receives all the necessary documents in good time.
In Ro-Ro transport, the B/L is of particular importance, as vehicles are identified individually. The VIN number on the B/L must match the actual vehicle exactly – otherwise, the port of destination will refuse to release the cargo.
Unlike with containerised cargo, where the cargo is identified by container numbers, in RoRo shipping the B/L serves as direct proof of which specific vehicle is being transported. This makes accuracy in this document particularly crucial.
You should therefore ensure, whenever you book a RoRo shipment, that the vehicle details, consignee information and terms of carriage on the B/L are correct.
The loss of an original B/L is a serious problem, as it serves as a title to the goods. As a rule, a bank guarantee must be provided and a complex procedure must be followed before the cargo is released. A telex release avoids this risk.
The original B/L is a title to ownership – whoever holds it is entitled to collect the goods. A Sea Waybill, on the other hand, is merely a proof of carriage without any transfer of ownership. The named consignee can collect the goods directly without having to present an original document.
Changes are possible, but often involve fees and delays. It becomes particularly difficult once the ship has set sail. You should therefore check all the details before the tickets are finally issued.
The B/L is issued by the shipping company or its agents. If you book through a freight forwarder, you will usually receive a house B/L from the freight forwarder, whilst the shipping company issues a master B/L.
With a telex release, the shipping company at the port of loading notifies its branch at the port of destination electronically that the cargo may be released – without the need to present an original B/L. This speeds up the process considerably.
The bill of lading is far more than just a piece of paper – it is the cornerstone of every RoRo shipment. As a receipt, a contract of carriage and a title to the goods, it fulfils three key functions that ensure your shipment runs smoothly.
By checking the B/L carefully, choosing the correct version and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll save time, money and hassle. If you’re unsure, an experienced freight forwarder can help you draw up all the documents correctly.
Do you have any questions or would you like a non-binding offer? Contact us directly: https://odsorient.com/kontakt
All information in this article has been carefully researched but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the topicality, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the key document for every Ro-Ro shipment. It serves simultaneously as the shipping company’s acknowledgement of receipt, as a contract of carriage and as a title to the goods. Without a correctly issued B/L, the cargo cannot be released at the port of destination. There are various types, such as the original B/L, the Sea Waybill and the Telex Release […]
A comparison of RoRo and air freight shows that sea freight via RoRo is significantly cheaper, offers greater capacity and has a better environmental footprint. Air freight is only advantageous for small, high-value consignments with very short delivery times. For the transport of vehicles, construction machinery and heavy goods, RoRo is, in most cases, the more economical and sustainable solution. The decision depends on […]
