Combined Bill of Lading vs Separate Bills of Lading Operational Steps

How to Operate a Consolidated Bill of Lading and What's the Difference Between Consolidated and Separate Bills of Lading

A consolidated bill of lading refers to the integration of multiple transport documents for the same batch of goods within a certain period into one transport document. A separate bill of lading, on the other hand, is the transport document generated for each shipment of goods. Both consolidated and separate bills of lading are important concepts in maritime cargo transportation. So, how do you operate a consolidated bill of lading, and what are the differences between consolidated and separate bills of lading?

I. Steps for Operating a Consolidated Bill of Lading

1. Determine the Cargo Information First, you need to determine the cargo information for the consolidated bill of lading, including the product name, quantity, destination, etc.

2. Integrate Transport Documents Merge multiple transport documents for the same batch of goods into one transport document, either online or manually.

3. Confirm the of the Consolidated Bill of Lading Theof the consolidated bill of lading should include the consignor, consignee, and other relevant parties to ensure that all related parties can accurately understand the transportation information.

4. Submit the Consolidated Bill of Lading Submit the integrated transport document to the shipping company or freight forwarding company and wait for confirmation and arrangement from the shipping company or freight forwarding company.

II. Differences Between Consolidated and Separate Bills of Lading

1. Different Definitions A consolidated bill of lading merges multiple transport documents for the same batch of goods into one transport document, while a separate bill of lading generates a transport document for each shipment of goods.

2. Different Costs Since a consolidated bill of lading involves more cargo, it may require paying more freight or other related costs.

3. Different Risks A consolidated bill of lading can reduce the risk of cargo loss or damage because the goods under one transport document are usually more concentrated. In contrast, a separate bill of lading corresponds to each shipment of goods. If there is any loss or damage during transportation, it is difficult to determine the responsible party.

4. Different Handling Methods A consolidated bill of lading is more convenient to handle when dealing with transportation issues because the goods under one transport document are usually easier to track and confirm their status. However, a separate bill of lading requires handling the transportation issues of each shipment separately.

In summary, both consolidated and separate bills of lading are important concepts in maritime cargo transportation. The choice of transportation method depends on specific circumstances. When operating a consolidated bill of lading, it is necessary to ensure the accuracy of integration, the rationality of costs, and the clarity of responsibility. At the same time, attention should be paid to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure compliance with relevant requirements.