Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
A master bill of lading is the B/L issued by the ocean carrier for the containers booked with it. When a forwarder arranges the move, the MBL usually names the forwarder or its agent as shipper and consignee, while the cargo owner holds a house B/L. The carrier deals only with the parties on the MBL. Container, seal, weight and port details on the MBL and HBL must therefore match to avoid trouble at release and customs inspection.
Related terms
- House Bill of Lading (HBL)
A house bill of lading is the B/L a freight forwarder or NVOCC issues to the shipper.
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
A bill of lading is the ocean transport document issued by the carrier or its agent.
- NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
An NVOCC is a carrier that operates no ships of its own but buys space from shipping lines and resells it to shippers under its own house B/L.
- Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder organises shipments on behalf of cargo owners: booking ship or aircraft space, arranging trucking, documents, insurance and LCL consolidation.