What is a Uniform Bill of Lading?

A uniform bill of lading refers to a contract or an agreement between two consenting parties which states how a property, goods, or cargo will be transported. The exporter and the carrier are the two parties involved in the contract. Included in a uniform bill of lading are shipping information, details of the shipper, the departure and destination, transport time or schedule, the terms of carrier liability, and other basic information. Furthermore, how exporters or owners can file a claim for a damaged shipment is contained in the uniform bill of lading.

How is a Uniform Bill of Lading Used?

In the United States, the uniform bill of lading was passed and enacted by the Uniform Law Commission in 1909. 

Aside from providing basic information about the shipment, the uniform bill of lading also serves as an evidence that the goods are delivered to the receiver and the bill signed by the recipient upon delivery. 

As stated in the bill of lading, the carrier is liable for any loss or damage that happens to the goods in the process of transporting them to the recipient. 

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 1005, Section 14706, allows bill of lading to be used as a legal document in freight disputes.