Definition – A House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a document created by an Ocean Transport Intermediary (OTI) such as a freight forwarder or non-vessel operating company (NVOCC). The document is an acknowledgment of the receipt of goods that are to be shipped. It is issued to the supplier once the cargo has been received and may be used in lieu Letter of Credit in lieu of a Master Bill of Lading (MBL). HBL includes the name and address of the supplier, who delivers the shipment to the freight forwarder, and the consignee, who the freight forwarder delivers the shipment to. The document also includes specific information about the items shipped and the value of the shipping contract.
Related Terms – Original Bill of Lading (OBL); Master Bill of Lading (MBL); House Airway Bill (AWB)