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First Bill Of Lading for the United States

First Bill Of Lading Template for United States

A First Bill of Lading is a negotiable document of title issued by a carrier to a shipper, governed by US federal laws including COGSA and the Pomerene Act. It serves as a receipt for goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title. This document enables the transfer of ownership of goods while in transit and is crucial for international trade transactions, particularly in maritime shipping.

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First Bill Of Lading

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What is a First Bill Of Lading?

The First Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in maritime shipping and international trade, regulated under US federal legislation. It is issued when goods are first received by the carrier and serves three primary functions: acknowledging receipt of goods, evidencing the contract of carriage, and acting as a document of title. The First Bill of Lading is particularly important in letter of credit transactions and enables the transfer of ownership while goods are in transit. It must comply with COGSA requirements and other relevant US shipping regulations.

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

1. Shipper Information: Complete details of the party shipping the goods including name, address, and contact information

2. Consignee Information: Complete details of the party receiving the goods including name, address, and contact information

3. Vessel Details: Name and voyage number of the carrying vessel, including vessel operator information

4. Cargo Description: Detailed description of goods being shipped including marks, numbers, and packaging type

5. Quantity and Weight: Number of packages, gross weight, measurement, and container numbers if applicable

6. Ports: Port of loading, port of discharge, and any transshipment ports

7. Terms and Conditions: Standard trading conditions, liability terms, and applicable law references

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

1. Notify Party: Details of third party to be notified upon arrival of shipment

2. Special Instructions: Specific handling or delivery instructions for special cargo requirements

3. Freight Charges: Details of shipping costs, payment terms, and prepaid/collect status

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

1. Container List: Detailed list of container numbers, seal numbers, and container specifications

2. Dangerous Goods Declaration: Detailed declaration of hazardous materials including UN numbers and classifications

3. Temperature Requirements: Special temperature monitoring and maintenance instructions for temperature-sensitive cargo

Authors

Alex Denne

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

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Bill of Lading

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
































Clauses































Industries

COGSA: Carriage of Goods by Sea Act - Primary US federal law governing the rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international commerce

Pomerene Act: Federal Bills of Lading Act that governs the negotiability and transfer of bills of lading in interstate and foreign commerce

Harter Act: US federal law governing maritime contracts of carriage, particularly relevant for domestic shipments and periods before loading and after discharge

Ocean Shipping Reform Act: Updates to shipping regulations focusing on export shipments and carrier practices in international ocean transportation

Shipping Act 1984: Federal maritime law governing ocean shipping practices, carrier agreements, and shipping regulations in US foreign commerce

Hague Rules: International convention establishing uniform rules for bills of lading in international trade

Hague-Visby Rules: Updated version of Hague Rules (though US is not a signatory) often relevant for international shipments and commonly used in global trade

Hamburg Rules: Alternative international convention for carriage of goods by sea (US not a signatory) providing different liability standards

UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code Article governing documents of title, including bills of lading in domestic commerce

UCC Article 2: Uniform Commercial Code Article governing sales of goods, relevant for transactions using bills of lading

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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