Shippers, Carriers and Consignees: Understanding All the Parties

When it comes down to it, ordering and shipping freight requires a certain level of trust: Trust that a supplier will send the goods he or she promised, in good condition. Trust that the steamship line, truck or van line or airline will move those goods to the best of their ability, handling the freight with care. Trust that the purchaser will receive and pay for the goods, as agreed. That being said, all of this trust is backed up by a legal agreement between these three parties, which is documented on a bill of lading (BOL). If you’ve ever looked at your bill of lading, you’ll see three parties named on the document