Traditional and Electronic Bill of Lading (eBL). What it is and how to fill it

In the dynamic world of international trade, the Bill of Lading (B/L) has long been the cornerstone of maritime logistics, a guarantee of security for both shippers and carriers. This essential document, which acts as cargo receipt, contract of carriage and title deed, has evolved over the centuries, adapting to the changing needs of global trade. At Across Logistics, we are witnesses and protagonists of the latest and most revolutionary of these transformations: the transition from the traditional Bill of Lading to the electronic Bill of Lading (eBL).

Digitalization is redefining industries around the world, and the shipping industry is no exception. With the advancement of technology and the growing demand for efficiency and sustainability, eBL emerges as an innovative solution that promises to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve safety throughout the supply chain. This digital document is not only a response to today’s challenges, but also a commitment to the future, a step towards a greener and more accessible trade.

In this article, we will explore in depth what the Bill of Lading is, how it has evolved into its electronic form and the existing types. We will analyze the comparison between the traditional B/L and the eBL, the impact of digitalization on intermediaries, and we will detail the information that a B/L must contain, with a special focus on the eBL. In addition, we will provide guidance on how to complete these documents and discuss their essential functions, highlighting the additional advantages offered by eBL.

At Across Logistics, we not only embrace this innovation, we lead the change. Our strategic partnership with the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) and our commitment to innovation and sustainability place us at the forefront of digital transformation in logistics. Through this article, we will share how this collaboration directly benefits our customers and how eBL is shaping a digital future for international trade.

Join us on this journey into the future of shipping, where efficiency, sustainability and safety are more than goals; they are tangible realities that we are building today for the world of tomorrow.

 

What is the Bill of Lading.

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is more than just a piece of paper; it is an important document in international maritime trade. It acts as a pledge, a test and a passport for goods traveling across the oceans.

Traditionally, this document has served three critical functions: it is a receipt evidencing receipt of the goods by the carrier, a contract detailing the terms and conditions under which the cargo will be transported, and a title deed that can be used to transfer title to the goods by endorsement.

 

The evolution from paper to digital: Electronic Bill of Lading (eBL)

In the era of digital transformation, eBL represents a quantum leap in cargo documentation management. By replacing the paper with bits and bytes, the eBL offers a safer, more efficient and sustainable version of the traditional B/L. This electronic version not only replicates the functions of its physical predecessor, but also enhances them, facilitating a faster and more reliable exchange of information between the parties involved.

At Across Logistics, we understand that adopting eBL is not simply changing formats, but embracing a new culture of efficiency and transparency in maritime logistics.

The implementation of eBL allows for real-time traceability and a significant reduction in the possibility of fraud, loss or damage to the document. In addition, by eliminating the need to handle and store paper, eBL is an ally in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation operations, aligning with our vision of greener international trade. With eBL, we are not only anticipating the future, but also building it, ensuring that our customers are at the forefront of modern logistics.

 

Types of Bill Of Lading

The Bill of Lading, in its essence, is a versatile document that adapts to the diverse needs and circumstances of maritime transport. There are several types of B/L, each designed for specific situations and with different characteristics that respond to the requirements of shippers and shipping lines.

At Across Logistics, we ensure that our customers are informed and able to choose the most suitable type of B/L for their cargo and business operations. Here is an overview of the most common types:

Straight B/L (Straight Bill of Lading): This type of B/L is issued in the name of a specific consignee and is non-negotiable, which means that delivery of the cargo can only be made to the person or company named on the document.

B/L to Order (Order Bill of Lading): Unlike the direct B/L, this is negotiable and can be endorsed, allowing the transfer of ownership of the cargo to another party.

Through Bill of Lading (B/L): Used for shipments involving multiple modes of transportation, this B/L covers the movement of cargo from its origin to its final destination, even if that includes land or air legs in addition to ocean.

Bearer Bill of Lading (B/L): This document allows the delivery of the cargo to whoever holds the B/L at the time of delivery, without the need for endorsements.

B/L Released (Released Bill of Lading): Also known as B/L expressed, indicates that the cargo can be released to the consignee without the presentation of the original B/L.

Each of these types of B/L has its place in international trade, and the choice between them depends on the nature of the transaction, security needs and preference for flexibility in the transfer of cargo ownership. In the transition to eBL, these types are maintained, but are handled digitally, allowing for greater efficiency and security in their use.

 

Comparison Traditional Bill of Lading vs eBL

The transition from traditional to electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) is a reflection of the natural evolution towards greater digitalization in international trade. Although both fulfill the same legal and commercial functions, there are significant differences in their handling, security and efficiency.

At Across Logistics, we are committed to innovation and continuous improvement, so we understand the importance of highlighting these differences so that our customers can make informed decisions.

 

Handling and Processing

Traditional B/L requires physical handling, which involves printing, signing, sending and storing paper documents. This process can be time consuming and is subject to risks such as loss or damage to the document. On the other hand, the eBL is handled entirely in digital format, which means that it can be issued, signed and transferred instantly without risk of physical loss, significantly reducing processing times.

 

Security and Authenticity

The security of the traditional B/L depends on physical measures such as seals, signatures and paper with special characteristics to avoid forgeries. In contrast, eBL uses advanced technologies such as encryption and electronic signature, which provide a higher level of security and traceability, and make document authentication more robust and less susceptible to fraud.

 

Efficiency and Costs

The use of traditional B/L carries costs associated with printing, shipping and storing documents, as well as processing time that can affect the efficiency of the entire supply chain. The eBL, being digital, eliminates many of these costs and improves operational efficiency, allowing companies like Across Logistics to offer more agile and cost-effective services.

 

Sustainability

Commitment to sustainability is paramount at Across Logistics. The traditional B/L, being a paper document, has an environmental impact related to the use of natural resources and the carbon footprint of the shipment. By eliminating the need for paper, eBL contributes to the reduction of our carbon footprint and supports our sustainability goals.

 

Global Adoption and Acceptance

While traditional B/L is universally recognized and accepted, eBL is still in the process of global adoption. However, with the backing of organizations such as the DCSA and the commitment of major shipping lines, eBL is rapidly gaining ground and is establishing itself as the new standard in the industry.

 

In summary, the comparison between traditional B/L and eBL highlights the significant advantages of the latter in terms of efficiency, safety and sustainability. At Across Logistics, we are excited to lead this transition and offer our customers all the advantages that eBL has to offer.

 

Who is involved in the Bill of Lading?

The Bill of Lading is a document that involves multiple parties within the maritime supply chain. Its multifaceted nature ensures that every actor, from the shipper to the receiver of the cargo, has a defined and crucial role in the transportation process.

At Across Logistics, we coordinate closely with each of these players to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

The Shipper: The entity that ships the goods. He is responsible for providing the accurate information included in the B/L and for ensuring that the cargo is ready for transport.

The Carrier: The shipping company that is in charge of getting the cargo from point A to point B. The carrier issues the B/L, which serves as a contract of carriage between them and the shipper.

The Consignee: The person or company that receives the merchandise. The B/L assures them that they will receive the cargo as agreed.

The Freight Forwarder: Acts as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier, facilitating the logistics and documentation necessary for the shipment.

The Bank: In transactions where a documentary credit is used, banks play a vital role as guarantors of payment, conditional upon the presentation of compliant documents, including the B/L.

 

The Impact of Digitalization on Intermediaries

Digitalization, and in particular the introduction of eBL, is transforming the role of intermediaries in the supply chain. At Across Logistics, we are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that our processes and those of our partners are aligned with the latest technological innovations.

For freight forwarders, digitization means a simplification of processes, allowing them to manage documents more efficiently and with fewer errors.

Banks, for their part, benefit from the ability to verify the authenticity and compliance of documents almost instantaneously, reducing the risk of fraud and speeding up financial transactions.

Shippers and consignees also see significant improvements in cargo visibility and tracking, allowing for more effective planning and management. In addition, the ability to transfer cargo title digitally and paperlessly reduces bureaucracy and improves transaction security.

In short, digitization through eBL not only benefits shippers and cargo receivers, but also optimizes the role of intermediaries, making them even more essential and efficient parts of the global supply chain.

At Across Logistics, we are committed to adopting these digital practices, ensuring that everyone involved in the process benefits from the increased efficiency and security that eBL provides.

 

What information should a Bill of Lading contain

A Bill of Lading is a detailed document that must contain specific information to fulfill its legal and logistical function. At Across Logistics, we ensure that every B/L we issue is complete and accurate, clearly reflecting the details of the transaction and the cargo.

A typical B/L includes:

Name of Shipper and Consignee: The parties sending and receiving the cargo.

Name of the Carrier: The company that performs the maritime transport.

Cargo Description: Details such as quantity, weight, and nature of the goods.

Identification Marks and Numbers: The unique identifiers of containers or packages.

Trip or Booking Number: The code that identifies the specific contract of carriage.

Port of Loading and Discharge: The places where the transport starts and ends.

Issue Date: The day on which the B/L is issued, which may be crucial for payment and delivery dates.

Terms and Conditions: The rules governing the transportation of cargo, including the responsibilities of the carrier and shipper.

 

Additional Information on an eBL

The eBL, being a digital version of the traditional B/L, contains all the essential information mentioned above, but also allows the inclusion of additional data that improves cargo management and tracking.

At Across Logistics, we leverage these capabilities to provide a more complete and transparent service.

Additional information that may be included in an eBL includes:

Real-Time Data: Up-to-date information on the location and status of cargo during transit.

Transaction History: A complete record of all actions performed on the document, including ownership transfers and updates.

Attached Documents: The ability to attach related documents, such as certificates of origin or inspection, directly to the eBL.

Integration with other platforms: Links to transportation or customs management systems for seamless synchronization and communication between all parties.

Enhanced Security Measures: Use of electronic signatures and encryption to protect information against unauthorized access.

The eBL not only facilitates better information management, but also provides a basis for automation and continuous improvement of logistics processes.

 

How to fill out the Bill of Lading

Completing a Bill of Lading requires attention to detail and accuracy to ensure that the documentation accurately reflects the agreement between the shipper and the carrier, as well as the details of the cargo.

At Across Logistics, we follow a meticulous process to complete this documentation, ensuring that each step is performed with the utmost precision.

The general steps for filling out a B/L include:

Identify Shipper and Consignee: We begin by recording the full names and addresses of the shipper and receiver of the cargo.

Cargo Detail: We describe the cargo accurately, including type, quantity, weight and any relevant identification marks.

Specify Voyage: We note the booking number and details of the voyage, including the name of the vessel and the expected departure and arrival dates.

Define the Ports: Clearly indicate the port of loading and the port of discharge.

Agree Terms and Conditions: We review and agree on the terms and conditions of carriage, which must be clearly stated in the B/L.

Sign the Document: The B/L must be signed by the carrier, confirming receipt of the cargo and acceptance of the contract of carriage.

 

Specific Steps for eBL

The process of filling out an eBL is similar to its paper counterpart, but is done digitally, which provides greater efficiency and reduces the possibility of errors. At Across Logistics, we use secure digital platforms to complete eBLs, allowing us to offer our customers a more seamless and secure experience.

The specific steps for eBL are:

Access to the Digital Platform: We access the eBL platform with the appropriate security credentials.

Data Entry: We enter the shipper, consignee, cargo and voyage information in the corresponding fields of the platform.

Terms Review: Terms and conditions are selected or digitally uploaded, and reviewed online for acceptance.

Attach Relevant Documentation: We digitally upload any additional required documents directly on the platform.

Electronic Signature: We use certified electronic signatures to sign the eBL, which provides an additional layer of security and authenticity.

Digital Distribution: We send the signed eBL to all relevant parties through the platform, allowing instant and secure access.

The eBL simplifies and improves the freight documentation process, allowing Across Logistics and its customers to save time and resources, while increasing the security and traceability of transactions.

 

Functions of the Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading is a multifunctional document that plays vital roles in maritime transport.

 

Receipt of cargo

As cargo receipt, the B/L confirms that the carrier has received the goods from the shipper in good condition and as described. This aspect is crucial, as it serves as proof that the cargo was delivered to the carrier and details its condition at the time of receipt.

 

Contract of carriage

The B/L is also a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. It details the obligations and rights of each party, including transportation routes, delivery times and the conditions under which the shipment will be made.

 

Property title

As a title deed, the B/L is a negotiable document that can be endorsed to transfer title to the goods during transit. This is especially important in international transactions where ownership of cargo often changes hands before it reaches its final destination.

 

Shipping document

The B/L serves as a shipping document that allows the cargo to be loaded onto the vessel and transported. It is an essential element for port and customs authorities to verify that the cargo being shipped matches the declared cargo.

 

Proof of delivery

Once the goods arrive at their destination, the B/L is presented as proof of delivery. The consignee must present the B/L to claim ownership of the cargo, ensuring that it is delivered to the correct person or entity.

 

Additional eBL Functions

The eBL not only fulfills all of the traditional functions of the paper B/L, but also introduces additional capabilities that take advantage of digital technology. These include:

Improved Traceability: With eBL, stakeholders can track cargo in real time, which improves visibility and logistics planning.

Trade Facilitation: eBL can be integrated with e-commerce platforms and transportation management systems, facilitating transactions and reducing the need for intermediaries.

Process Automation: Digitization enables the automation of document verification and processing, reducing waiting times and improving operational efficiency.

Reduced Discrepancies: By minimizing manual document handling, eBL reduces discrepancies and errors, resulting in a smoother and more reliable shipping process.

 

Benefits of eBL

The Electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) is not just a digital version of the traditional document, but a tool that offers tangible benefits and significant improvements in shipping logistics. At Across Logistics, we are excited about the advancements that eBL brings to our customers and the industry as a whole.

 

Efficiency and Cost Reduction

The eBL streamlines the documentation process and reduces the need for manual paper handling, resulting in greater operational efficiency. Automating the creation, signing and transfer of B/Ls can drastically reduce processing time from hours or days to minutes.

This not only speeds up operations, but also lowers the costs associated with document handling, such as printing, storing and shipping. In addition, the ability to integrate the eBL with other digital systems reduces redundancy and improves data accuracy, helping to avoid costs due to errors and delays.

 

Sustainability and Environmental Protection

Sustainability is a key pillar of Across Logistics’ mission. The eBL contributes to our environmental protection efforts by eliminating the need for paper, which reduces the felling of trees and the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of physical documents.

In addition, by facilitating a more efficient workflow, eBL can help reduce vessel downtime and unnecessary voyages, thus contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Security and Crime Reduction

The security of documentation is critical in international trade, and eBL offers significant improvements in this area. With features such as advanced encryption and electronic signatures, the eBL is much more difficult to alter or forge compared to paper documents. This reduces the risk of document fraud, one of the most common crimes in maritime trade.

In addition, eBL enables tighter control over who can access and modify documents, which improves overall supply chain security and protects against information tampering.

 

In short, eBL not only improves logistics operations, but also supports sustainability goals and increases safety in international trade. These benefits are fundamental to us at Across Logistics, as we seek to provide services that are not only efficient and safe, but also environmentally and socially responsible.

 

Leading Digital Transformation in Logistics: Across Logistics and the DCSA

At Across Logistics, we recognize that digital transformation is the future of logistics and international trade. We have therefore taken the initiative to be at the forefront of this evolution, working closely with the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) to promote and adopt standardized digital practices, such as eBL.

 

Strategic Partnership with DCSA

Our partnership with DCSA is a strategic step towards the digitization of the maritime supply chain. DCSA is a leading organization driving standardization, digitization and interoperability in the container shipping industry. By aligning ourselves with their standards and actively participating in their initiatives, we are contributing to a global shift towards more efficient and transparent processes, enabling us to offer cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

 

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Across Logistics’ commitment to innovation goes hand in hand with our focus on sustainability. The digitization of logistics processes not only improves efficiency but also reduces our environmental footprint.

By adopting eBL and other digital technologies, we are minimizing paper usage and optimizing our transportation routes, resulting in a greener and more sustainable operation.

 

Direct Benefits to Across Logistics Customers

The collaboration with DCSA and the adoption of eBL allow us to offer direct benefits to our customers. These include faster and more secure transactions, reduced risk of document errors, and a more resilient and adaptable supply chain.

Our customers enjoy greater visibility and control over their shipments, enabling them to make more informed decisions and improve their logistics management.

 

A Digital Future for International Trade

Looking to the future, Across Logistics is committed to being a leader in the digital transformation of international trade. Digitalization is the path to a more efficient and sustainable industry, and we are dedicated to exploring and adopting new technologies that will drive this change. With DCSA as our partner, we are shaping a future in which international trade is more accessible, secure and planet-friendly, benefiting all parties involved in the global supply chain.

The information provided by DCSA through its press releases and studies, such as the vision of reaching 100% adoption of eBL 100% adoption of eBL reinforces our conviction and our efforts to move towards this digital future. We are proud to be part of this movement and to take our customers and partners with us on this exciting journey into the next era of global logistics.

 

Across Logistics. Your logistics partner in the digital era

At Across Logistics, we are not only witnesses to the digital revolution in logistics; we are active participants and fervent drivers of it. Our collaboration with entities such as the DCSA and our commitment to eBL implementation reflect our dedication to innovation and service excellence.

We understand that each customer has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on offering customized solutions that leverage the latest technologies to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. Our team of experts is always ready to advise you and help you navigate the changing landscape of international trade.

If you are looking for a logistics partner that understands the importance of adaptability and innovation in logistics, look no further. At Across Logistics, we are ready to take your supply chain to the next level.
Contact us today and find out how we can help you transform your logistics operations and thrive in the digital age.