Bill of lading information must be verified carefully! Errors may result in amendments at best or fines at worst!

The Importance of Verifying Bill of Lading Information

The significance of accurate bill of lading (B/L) information cannot be overstated. Errors can lead to amendments at best and penalties at worst. Therefore, B/L confirmation is a crucial step in the shipping process. However, mistakes often occur in seemingly minor details. Below is a summary of key verification points and common errors for your reference.

1. Basic Information Verification

Carefully check whether the basic information on the B/L is correct, including the shipper, consignee, notify party, port details, marks, cargo description, container quantity, weight, volume, and whether freight is prepaid or collect.

2. Letter of Credit (L/C) Requirements

When operating under an L/C, ensure that the B/L complies with any specific requirements to avoid discrepancies.

3. Punctuation Marks

As B/L information is recorded in English, punctuation errors are common. For example, in company names such as “CO., LTD.”, missing commas or periods can cause issues. Pay attention to the differences between colons and semicolons, as well as the omission of “+” before country codes in phone numbers.

4. English Spelling

Company names and addresses are often long, increasing the likelihood of misspellings or transposed letters. These errors might not be caught during initial review but can cause discrepancies when the L/C is examined, leading to unnecessary losses.

5. Clause Usage

When using the “On behalf of” clause for the shipper or consignee, it must represent only one company, not multiple entities. Ensure the correct order of names to avoid confusion.

6. Packaging Units

Use specific packaging terms; for instance, prefer “cartons” over the general term “packages.” Clearly distinguish between total packaging units and sub-packaging counts to prevent discrepancies that could lead to shipping line disputes or customs clearance issues.

7. Quantity Spelling

Ensure consistency between numerical and written quantities. It’s easy to assume that an Arabic numeral is correct while the written number is incorrect, e.g., “FIFTY-FIVE (50) CARTONS ONLY!”

8. Inland Port Transshipment Clauses

For inland port destinations, ensure all relevant transshipment clauses are included, such as:

• “THC AT DESTINATION PORT ON CONSIGNEE’S ACCOUNT”
• “CARGO IN TRANSIT FROM XXXX TO XXXX, EFFECTED BY CONSIGNEE AND FOR CONSIGNEE’S RISKS AND ACCOUNTS”
  These remarks must not be omitted.

9. Gross Weight & Volume

Verify the accuracy and reasonableness of the weight and volume provided by the customer. If the figures seem unrealistic (e.g., a 20′ container exceeding 30 CBM or a 40′ container exceeding 65 CBM), double-check with the client to prevent discrepancies.

10. Loading Port, Discharge Port, and Final Destination

Different carriers may have varying descriptions for the same port or specific requirements. If the consignee has special port display requests, check with the carrier in advance. If the carrier does not accept the requested format, the information must follow the carrier’s standards.

By carefully verifying these details, you can avoid costly amendments, penalties, and shipping delays.