Combined B/L

Combined B/L refers to the documentary operation of consolidating multiple shipments from the same shipper, same consignee, and same port of destination into a single bill of lading for transport. Use cases include: when the shipper has multiple small-lot shipments to the same destination and consolidates them into one B/L to save documentation fees, simplify operations, or meet letter of credit requirements. Precautions: combined B/L requires that all shipments share consistent cargo attributes, port of loading, port of destination, and consignee; after consolidation, the number of packages, weight, and volume on the B/L are the sum of all shipments, but the breakdown details of each shipment must be retained for customs declaration and cargo pickup at the destination port; if the letter of credit prohibits combined B/L or requires separate B/Ls, it cannot be used. In contrast to "Separate B/L," combined B/L merges multiple into one, while separate B/L divides one into many; unlike "Master B/L," combined B/L is typically an operation at the freight forwarder's HBL level and does not involve the shipping line. Proper use of combined B/L can reduce documentation costs, but it must be ensured that it does not violate trade contract and letter of credit terms.