Received for Shipment B/L

A Received for Shipment Bill of Lading (Received for Shipment B/L) is a bill of lading issued by the carrier when the goods have been received but not yet loaded onto the vessel. It only proves that the goods have been taken into the carrier's custody, not that they have been shipped on board. Usage scenario: When goods are first delivered to the carrier's warehouse and later loaded onto the vessel, the carrier issues this B/L at the shipper's request to facilitate early negotiation of documents. Precautions: Because the goods are not yet on board, buyers and banks may be reluctant to accept it, as the shipment date and vessel name are uncertain, posing higher risks. Difference from a Shipped B/L: The latter proves the goods have been loaded on board, states the shipment date and vessel name, and is the most commonly required B/L in letter of credit transactions. A Received for Shipment B/L can be converted into a Shipped B/L by adding an On Board Notation, thereby meeting letter of credit requirements. In practice, if the L/C requires a Shipped B/L, exporters should avoid presenting a Received for Shipment B/L unless the On Board Notation can be added in time.