OBL
DocumentationOriginal Bill of Lading
The signed paper original of a bill of lading, which must be handed over to collect the cargo.
In practice
Usually issued as a set of three originals. Whoever presents one original at destination can claim the goods, so it is couriered securely and often held until payment. Alternatives are telex release and sea waybill, which avoid the courier and the risk of loss.
Seen in the wild
We will courier 3/3 OBL to the consignee once payment is received.
Watch out
If the OBL set is lost, the carrier will require a bank guarantee (often 150 to 200% of cargo value) before releasing. Use telex release when the sale does not require a document of title.