Dock Receipt (D/R) is a receipt issued by the carrier (or its agent) upon receiving the export cargo delivered by the shipper at the container yard (CY) or container freight station (CFS). It proves that the cargo has been taken over by the carrier and is a key document for the shipper to exchange for a Bill of Lading (B/L). Usage scenario: The shipper delivers the cargo to the designated terminal, the terminal staff inspects and issues the D/R, and the shipper then uses the D/R to exchange for an on-board B/L at the shipping company or agent. Precautions: The D/R must accurately record the number of packages, packaging, marks, weight, etc. If there are remarks (such as damaged packaging), it will affect the exchange for a clean B/L; the shipper should keep it safe, as loss may require a newspaper announcement and a letter of indemnity. Difference from a 'Received for Shipment B/L' under a B/L: The D/R is only a cargo receipt, not a document of title, and is non-negotiable; whereas a B/L is a document of title and is negotiable. Difference from a 'Mate's Receipt': A Mate's Receipt is issued by the chief mate after the cargo is loaded on board, while the D/R is issued by the terminal upon receiving the cargo before loading; the exchange procedures differ.
📝 Examples
1. After the shipper delivered the cargo to the designated container yard, the terminal issued a Dock Receipt, and subsequently exchanged it with the shipping company for an on-board Bill of Lading. (Note: A typical process of using D/R as a document for exchange.)
2. Because the Dock Receipt was remarked with 'packaging damaged', the shipper could not exchange for a clean Bill of Lading and had to request the shipping company to issue a claused B/L and notify the buyer. (Note: The impact of D/R remarks on the cleanliness of the B/L.)
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