This is an example of a 'Master' bill of lading, issued by COSCO: If a Chinese bill of lading is a 'Master', it was probably issued by one of the many large shipping companies operating in China, which includes: The easiest way to identify a 'Master' bill of lading is to simply look at the name and logo of the company that issued the document. How does it work? Well, once cargo from the exporter has been received, the freight forwarder books the cargo with the carrier and a master bill of lading is given in return.ĭepending on the circumstances, the freight forwarder may issue the shipper with either the original 'Master' or their own 'House' bill of lading. They provide exporters assistance with preparing customs documentation and often partner with a range of shipping companies to help exporters get their products shipped from China's busy ports. Master Bill of Lading: 船东提单 (Chuán Dōng Tí Dān)įreight forwarders (also known as NVOCC or non-vessel operating common carriers) are agents used by companies to facilitate the export of their products.House Bill of Lading: 货代提单 (Huò Dài Tí Dān).In Chinese these terms are written as follows: This is a bill of lading issued by the freight forwarder, not by the company which is actually shipping the goods, and is commonly abbreviated as 'HBL'. In some circumstances when your Chinese supplier has used a freight forwarder, you may receive a 'House' bill of lading. In most cases a Chinese bill of lading is a 'Master' bill of lading, which means it has been issued directly by the shipping company that will transport your goods. The common abbreviation for a Master bill of lading is 'MBL'. What is a Chinese Bill of Lading?Ī Chinese bill of lading, as anywhere else in the world, is a legal contract between a shipping company 'the carrier' and whoever is sending the goods, 'the shipper'.Īs far as we are aware, a Chinese bill of lading is always an English language document, although some fields of the form may also include details in Chinese characters.įor a more in-depth introduction take a look at this article. This article explains the circumstances in which the Chinese bill of lading you receive might be a 'House' bill of lading, and what precautions you should take.įurther, we present some of the most popular 'Master' Chinese bill of lading - those issued by the largest shipping companies operating in China. If you don't recognize the carrier's name you need to understand if the document is a 'Master' or a 'House' bill of lading. Usually when you receive a Chinese bill of lading it will look pretty familiar, it is prepared in English and you will likely be familiar with the name of the carrier.

Cosco tracking by bill of lading