What is a copy of the bill of lading?What is it used for?

AsNewcomer,you might feel confused about the Bill of Lading Copy sent by the freight forwarder.Simply put,the Bill of Lading Copy is a draft version of the Bill of Lading.Its content is consistent with the original,but it lacks legal validity.Its main purpose is to allow you to verify information in advance,such as cargo description,consignee,shipping schedule,etc.ensuring there are no errors.Once confirmed,the freight forwarder will issue the official stamped Bill of Lading,which is the legally binding document.

In practice,the bill of lading copy is quite useful.You can send it to the customer for their review to avoid future complications.If the payment terms are "balance to be paid after shipment but before arrival at the port," sending the bill of lading copy to the customer for payment follow-up is perfectly acceptable—once they see the copy and confirm the goods are on board,they will usually cooperate in settling the remaining balance.

How to handle a telex release bill of lading?Avoid these pitfalls as a beginner!

A Telex Release Bill of Lading is a bill of lading issued in electronic form,eliminating the need for mailing physical documents.The freight forwarder or shipping company will notify the destination port via email or system to confirm the release of the cargo.Compared to an original bill of lading,a telex release is faster.

When to use telex release?

• Thecustomerurgentlyneedstopickupthegoods,buttheoriginalbillofladingisbeingsenttooslowly.
• Bothpartieshaveahighleveloftrustandarewillingtostreamlinetheprocess.
• Thefinalpaymenthasbeensettled,andthereisnodisputeovertheownershipofthegoods.

Steps for Telex Release:

• Youapplyfortelexreleasetothefreightforwarder.
• Afterthefreightforwarderconfirms,notifythedestinationporttoreleasethecargo.
• Thecustomerpicksupthegoodswiththetelexreleasenoticeandproofofidentity.

Key Reminder: Once the telex release is issued,you relinquish the title to the goods.So,Before receiving the final payment,never apply for telex release.,otherwise you may face the awkward situation of losing both the goods and the payment!

Complete Guide to the Shipping Process: From PO to Bill of Lading,Step by Step

The shipping process might seem a bit confusing for beginners,but it becomes quite simple once broken down.Below is the complete process using FOB as an example:

1.Received PO,urge deposit.

Output:

• Thecustomerplacesapurchaseorder(PO),andyouissueaproformainvoice(PI)toconfirmthedetails.
• Urgethecustomertopaythedeposit(usually30%),andnotifythefactorytostartproductionuponreceipt.

2.The goods are ready,contact the freight forwarder.

Output:

• Whenthegoodsarenearingcompletion,notifythefreightforwardertobooktheshippingspace.
• Pleaseprovidethenumberofpieces,volume,grossweight,HScode,andotherinformation,andthefreightforwarderwillbooktheshippingscheduleforyou.

3.Booking confirmed,arranging.

Output:

• Thefreightforwarderissuesthecargoloadingnotice(BookingConfirmation),whichincludesthebillofladingnumber.
• Youcanarrangeforatowtruckyourselforhavethefreightforwarderarrangeittopickuptheemptycontainerattheterminal.

4.Container Loading and Customs Declaration

Output:

• Loadingthecargointocontainers,takingphotosfordocumentation,andfillingoutthepackinglist.
• Preparecustomsclearancedocuments(packinglist,invoice,declarationelements,etc.)andsubmitthemtothecustomsbroker.
• Thefreightforwarderwillsendyouacopyofthebillofladingforverification.

5.The ship has sailed,urging the final payment.

Output:

• Afterthevesseldeparts,thefreightforwarderissuesthebilloflading(originalortelexrelease).
• Pleasesendthecopyofthebilloflading,contract,packinglist,andcommercialinvoicetothecustomer,andurgethemtopaythebalance.

6.Customer pickup

Output:

• Thecustomerpicksupthegoodswiththeoriginalbillofladingorthetelexreleasenotice.

Regarding the bill of lading time: After the vessel departs,the bill of lading is usually issued within a few days.Please confirm the exact timeline with the freight forwarder.If the ship has already sailed,sending a copy of the bill of lading and customs clearance documents to request the final payment is completely fine.

Under FOB terms,what should beginners do?

FOB (Free on Board) is the trade term you are currently operating under.The customer will arrange a freight forwarder at the destination port,and this forwarder will contact the designated freight forwarder in China to coordinate with you.

Your responsibilities:

• IssuetheBookingOrdertothedesignatedfreightforwarderandprovidethecargoinformation.
• Confirmtheshippingschedule,arrangefortruckingandcustomsclearance.
• Afterloadingthecontainer,preparethecustomsdeclarationdocumentsandcheckthedraftbilloflading.

Division of labor between freight forwarders and customs brokers:

• Designatedfreightforwarder:Bookingspace,issuingcargoloadingnotice,andreleasingthebilloflading.
• CustomsBroker:Tohandlecustomsclearance,weneedyourpackinglist,invoice,andotherrelevantdocuments.

Fee Reminder: The towing fee and customs clearance fee will be invoiced to you by the freight forwarder or customs broker.Remember to verify them carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses.

FAQ for Beginners

It’s normal to feel nervous during your first operation,but by frequently consulting freight forwarders and double-checking details,you’ll quickly get the hang of it.Freight forwarders and customs brokers are your great allies—don’t hesitate to reach out to them!