An Express Bill of Lading is a non-negotiable shipping document that allows cargo to be released to the named consignee without presentation of original paper bills of lading. It acts as evidence of the carrier’s receipt of goods and the contract of carriage, but it does not function as a transferable document of title. Express bills are often used when payment has already been settled or when the shipper wants faster release and fewer documentation delays at destination.
- Eliminates the risk of cargo arriving before documents in courier transit
- Standard in trusted buyer-seller relationships where title security is not required
- Once the shipper surrenders originals at origin, the carrier marks the B/L as surrendered
- Cargo is released at destination upon the consignee presenting proof of identity
Learn more about Dedola’s ocean freight shipping services. Related terms: Original Bill of Lading (OBL), FCL.
