Document background
The Express Bill of Lading (BOL) is a fundamental document in maritime trade, specifically designed for situations requiring rapid cargo processing and documentation. Under South African law, particularly the Sea Transport Documents Act and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, this document carries significant legal weight in international shipping transactions. An Express BOL is typically used when immediate release of cargo is required at the destination, often in time-sensitive trades or when dealing with perishable goods. It contains crucial information including carrier and shipper details, cargo specifications, ports of loading and discharge, and standard terms of carriage. The document's express nature makes it particularly valuable in modern fast-paced trade, though it requires careful handling due to its status as a document of title and its implications for cargo release.
