Original Bill of Lading

An Original Bill of Lading (OBL) is a shipping document that acts as the contract of carriage, the title of the cargo, and the shipment receipt from the carrier.

When an OBL is issued, three identical original bill of lading forms are issued simultaneously, one each for the carrier, consignee, and shipper. For the consignee to pick up the shipment upon arrival at port, at least one of the issued OBL forms must be presented with the importer’s or their agent’s signature.

An OBL may also be required before a freight forwarder can deliver a shipment after it has arrived at port.