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Frequently Asked Questions... and Answers
Question: What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?
Answer: A B/L is a document that establishes
the terms of a contract between a shipper and a carrier under which freight is to be moved between
specified points for a specified charge. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage,
and a receipt for goods. This document is usually required in order for the buyer to take possession
of the shipment. Bills of Lading may be negotiable or non-negotiable. Bills that are consigned "to order" of a named party may be transferred by endorsement and delivery in
the same manner as a check.
Question: How Do I fill out a Master Bill of Lading?
Answer: The
Master B/L document, available from any forwarder, has step by step instructions on how to
fill out a master Bill of Lading.
Question: What is an endorsement in blank?
Answer: A common means of endorsing bills of lading drawn to the order of the shipper, an
endorsement in blank is an endorsement to the bearer of the bills. It contains only the
name of the endorser and specifies no particular party.
Question: Can I have more than 3 original Bills of
Lading?
Answer: Can I have more than 3 original Bills of
Lading? Although 3 is the accepted industry standard, "K" Line can issue as
many originals as you require as long as the face of the ladings bears the number of
originals issued. (ie. if you require 6 originals, then the originals must state that 6
were issued).
Question: I have lost my original Bills of Lading.
Can I obtain a new set?
Answer: A new set of originals may be obtained by furnishing a letter
of indemnity stating that "K" Line is not to be held responsible if the first
set is found and surrendered. The letter of indemnity must be signed by the shipper (or
his legal representative) and counter-signed by any reputable bank doing business in the
U.S. or Canada.
Question: What statements can be used on a Bill of Lading?
Answer: The
following statements can apply to a Bill of Lading:
On Board – The date on an
"on board" B/L must be the date when the cargo is loaded on board the vessel. In
the case of an intermodal B/L, the date may be when the cargo is loaded on the railcar or
truck.
On Board Rail – An "on
board rail" B/L specifically denotes the date when the cargo is loaded on board a
railcar.
Rail on Board – The same as On Board. Received for Shipment – The date on a "received for shipment"
B/L denotes the date that "K" Line took possession or receipt of the cargo for shipment.
Question: I need a telex release for a Bill of Lading. What must I do to obtain it?
Answer:
- Contact "K" Line America, Inc's Customer Service Center at 1-800-609-3221.
- Endorse the original Bills of Lading on the back and send the full set
to "K" Line America, Inc.
Once your signed originals have been received by "K" Line America, Inc.,
we will promptly notify our office or agent overseas of the surrender.
Question: When should I send my master Bill of Lading?
Answer:The master B/L should be sent as early as possible. At the latest, it should be in "K" Line’s possession 48 hours before a vessel arrives unless otherwise advised by our documentation department. U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations require the export manifest be submitted at the port of loading prior to vessel clearance when a vessel sails directly to CHINA. AES regulations also impact an ocean carriers documentation cut-off. In addition, China has recently announced a 24-hour advance manifest rule for imported cargo effective Jan. 1, 2009. Such regulatory changes require the exporter review their supply chain timeline in order to submit shipping instructions prior to vessel arrival.
Question: What fax number do I use to fax in documentation for cargo loading in North America?
Answer: The Fax number for Export Documentation for cargo loading in North America: 800-670-2330.
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