Document background
The Commercial Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in Canadian shipping and trade operations, essential for both domestic and international cargo transportation. This document is required whenever goods are transported by a carrier, whether by sea, land, or air, and is particularly crucial for commercial shipments where formal documentation of cargo transfer is necessary. The document must comply with the Canadian Bills of Lading Act, and for maritime shipments, with the Hague-Visby Rules as incorporated into Canadian law through the Marine Liability Act. A Commercial Bill of Lading typically includes detailed information about the shipper, carrier, and consignee, along with specific cargo details, terms of carriage, and any special handling requirements. It is commonly used in conjunction with other trade documents such as commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and customs declarations, forming a complete set of shipping documentation.
