What to Do When Bill of Lading Is Lost

What should you do if the Bill of Lading is lost? As is widely known, an ocean Bill of Lading is a document of title — whoever holds the original B/L has the right to claim the goods at the destination port. So what happens if the original B/L is accidentally lost? Do not panic. Save this guide.

1. The very first step is to notify the shipping line in writing, requesting a hold on cargo release at the destination port. Submit a “Bill of Lading Loss Statement” as quickly as possible, because if the goods have already been claimed with the original B/L before the shipping line receives your loss notification, they bear no responsibility.

2. Notify the consignee immediately so they can cooperate with subsequent steps.

3. If the B/L was lost in transit by courier, be sure to obtain a “Courier Loss Certificate” from the courier company. This is one of the supporting documents needed when applying to the shipping line for a replacement B/L or Telex Release.

4. Publish a “Bill of Lading Loss and Invalidity Declaration” in a newspaper designated by the shipping line, for three consecutive days, and keep the original publications.

5. Bank guarantee: For high-value cargo, the shipping line will very likely require you to provide a bank guarantee, typically for 1-2 times the cargo value, with a guarantee period that may last 1-3 years.

6. After completing all of the above, you have three remediation options: (1) You can apply for a Telex Release by submitting a Telex Release indemnity letter as required by the shipping line. (2) If the destination country requires an original B/L for customs clearance, you will need to go through the process of reissuing the original B/L. This takes some time and incurs a re-issuance fee. (3) There is also the option of “guaranteed delivery.” This mainly applies when the B/L is lost by the destination consignee. With the agreement of the domestic shipper, cargo can be released against a guarantee letter. The destination consignee can then claim the goods without presenting the B/L by presenting a bank-issued guarantee letter.

We hope you never need to use this guide, but be sure to save it — it could be a lifesaver in a critical moment.

In-Depth Analysis

This article provides a deeper analysis based on the video content.

What should you do if the Bill of Lading is lost? As is widely known, an ocean Bill of Lading is a document of title — whoever holds the original B/L has the right to claim the goods at the destination port. So what happens if the original B/L is accidentally lost? Do not panic. Save this guide.

1. The very first step is to notify the shipping line in writing, requesting a hold on cargo release at the destination port. Submit a “Bill of Lading Loss Statement” as quickly as possible, because if the goods have already been claimed with the original B/L before the shipping line receives your loss notification, they bear no responsibility.

2. Notify the consignee immediately so they can cooperate with subsequent steps.

3. If the B/L was lost in transit by courier, be sure to obtain a “Courier Loss Certificate” from the courier company. This is one of the supporting documents needed when applying to the shipping line for a replacement B/L or Telex Release.

4. Publish a “Bill of Lading Loss and Invalidity Declaration” in a newspaper designated by the shipping line, for three consecutive days, and keep the original publications.

5. Bank guarantee: For high-value cargo, the shipping line will very likely require you to provide a bank guarantee, typically for 1-2 times the cargo value, with a guarantee period that may last 1-3 years.

6. After completing all of the above, you have three remediation options: (1) You can apply for a Telex Release by submitting a Telex Release indemnity letter as required by the shipping line. (2) If the destination country requires an original B/L for customs clearance, you will need to go through the process of reissuing the original B/L. This takes some time and incurs a re-issuance fee. (3) There is also the option of “guaranteed delivery.” This mainly applies when the B/L is lost by the destination consignee. With the agreement of the domestic shipper, cargo can be released against a guarantee letter. The destination consignee can then claim the goods without presenting the B/L by presenting a bank-issued guarantee letter.

We hope you never need to use this guide, but be sure to save it — it could be a lifesaver in a critical moment.

Summary

The above is a detailed introduction on what to do when a Bill of Lading is lost. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Votrich International Freight for consultation.