Transshipment B/L

Transshipment B/L (Transshipment Bill of Lading) refers to a bill of lading issued by the carrier when goods need to be transferred to another vessel at an intermediate port during transportation to reach the destination port. This B/L usually bears the word 'Transshipment' or lists the transshipment port and the on-carriage vessel information. Usage scenarios: When there is no direct route between the port of loading and the port of discharge, or when the direct route freight is too high or space is tight, the cargo owner will choose transshipment. Precautions: 1) A transshipment B/L may increase the risk of cargo damage and delay, and liability allocation is complex (the carrier is only responsible for its own leg); 2) In letter of credit settlement, if the L/C prohibits transshipment, the transshipment B/L may be rejected unless the L/C allows it or the goods are containerized; 3) It is necessary to confirm whether additional costs (such as transshipment fees, storage fees) will be incurred at the transshipment port. Difference from 'Direct B/L': A direct B/L covers the entire voyage on the same vessel with clear liability; a transshipment B/L involves multiple legs, and the cargo owner needs to pay attention to the connection of the on-carriage vessel and the endorsement transfer of the B/L. Difference from 'Through B/L': A through B/L is issued by the first carrier who is responsible for the entire journey, while a transshipment B/L may only cover part of the voyage.