How to Read a Bill of Lading Record, Field by Field

A bill of lading record can look intimidating — lots of columns, codes and abbreviations. But once you know what each field means, a row becomes a small story about who shipped what to whom.

The parties

The shipper (or supplier/exporter) and the consignee (buyer/importer) are the two ends of the trade. A "notify party" may also appear — often a freight forwarder or agent. These company names, with their addresses and contacts, are the actionable core of the record.

The goods

The HS code classifies the product internationally, while the product description is the shipper’s own wording. Reading both together helps you filter precisely and understand exactly what moved.

The logistics

• Ports of loading and discharge — the route the cargo took.
• Vessel, voyage and carrier — who moved it.
• Container numbers, TEU/FEU, weight and CBM — the size of the shipment.
• Dates — sailing and arrival, which reveal frequency and seasonality.

Putting it together

Scan a supplier’s rows over a year and you can estimate their capacity, spot their biggest customers, and see which lanes and ports they rely on — intelligence no directory can give you. Request a free sample to see a real record set.