House bill of lading
HBL
A house bill of lading is the bill a freight forwarder or NVOCC issues to the actual shipper. It covers cargo that moves under a carrier's master bill.
What it is
A house bill of lading, or HBL, is a bill of lading issued by a freight forwarder or NVOCC to its own customer. It names the actual shipper and the actual consignee of the goods. The same cargo also travels under a master bill of lading issued by the ocean carrier, on which the forwarder and its destination agent appear as shipper and consignee.
How it works in practice
In a consolidation, one container may hold cargo from many shippers, each with its own house bill, all covered by a single master bill. At destination the forwarder's agent takes delivery from the carrier against the master bill, then releases each consignment to its consignee against the matching house bill. The house bill carries its own number, terms, freight clause and number of originals.
Why it matters
The house bill defines what the forwarder has promised to its customer, so its details must agree with the master bill on containers, packages, weights and ports. Customs authorities in many countries require house-level cargo data alongside master-level data, and a mismatch between the two can hold up clearance. Banks may also examine the house bill when a shipment is financed under a letter of credit.
In Sailix
How Sailix handles it
Sailix issues house bills of lading from the forwarding workspace against a forwarding booking. The form records the B/L type, parties, vessel and voyage, ports, marks, containers and seals, packages, weight and measurement, freight payable place, issue details and number of originals, with printable clauses. A house bill moves from draft to issued, and the form shows how many have been issued for the booking.
- House bill of ladingPrepare a House B/L from the booking with parties, routing, cargo, containers, freight lines and clauses, then move it from draft to issued.
- Forwarding job managementMaintain Booking holds the forwarding job: service, parties, routing, cargo, containers and estimates, with job status and documents alongside.
Related terms
- Master bill of ladingA master bill of lading is the bill an ocean carrier issues to a freight forwarder or NVOCC. It covers a shipment that may contain several house bills.
- Freight forwarderA freight forwarder is a company that arranges the transport of goods for shippers. It books carriers and handles documents, customs and related services.
- Bill of ladingA bill of lading is a carrier's receipt for cargo and evidence of the contract of carriage. It is issued by the carrier and, when negotiable, is also a document of title.
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