bill of lading

American  

[bil uhv ley-ding] / ˈbɪl əv ˈleɪ dɪŋ /

noun

Commerce.

1. a written receipt given by a carrier for goods accepted for transportation. b.l., B.L., b/l, B/L

---

bill of lading British  

noun

1. Usual US and Canadian name: waybill.  (in foreign trade) a document containing full particulars of goods shipped or for shipment

---

Etymology

Origin of bill of lading

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Pacing the warehouse floor, Mellano ticked off items on the bill of lading.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2024

The maritime company said the cargo’s bill of lading and certificate of origin said the oil had come from Malaysia.

From Reuters • Jun. 12, 2020

Asked about the boxes, the crew produced a bill of lading listing the contents, in awkward English, as “assembly parts of the underwater pump.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 1, 2017

If it’s an ocean shipment, we will get a bill of lading like this, which states “Orient Overseas Container Line.”

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2015

When he presents his bill of lading and pays the charges, the freight bill is receipted and the goods are his.

From Business English A Practice Book by Buhlig, Rose