What is the House Bill of Lading (HBL)?

With the continuous development of international trade, the logistics industry has also become increasingly mature. And the bill of lading for goods, which plays a crucial role, has attracted more and more attention. BesidesMaritime Transportationthe Master Bill of Lading (MBL), there is also the House Bill of Lading (HBL).

HBL is a bill of lading issued by a freight forwarding or logistics company, also known as a logistics bill or LCL bill of lading. Unlike MBL, HBL is issued with the freight forwarding or logistics company itself as the carrier, signing a cargo transportation contract with the shipper. This means that the shipper can arrange cargo transportation through the freight forwarding or logistics company, which will be responsible throughout the entire logistics process.

Compared with the MBL, the HBL has its unique advantages and applicable scenarios. Firstly, the HBL is applicable to bulk cargo transportation, consolidated cargo transportation, and the cargo transportation of small logistics companies or freight forwarders. Secondly, since the issuer of the HBL is a freight forwarder or logistics company, compared with the shipping company, the services of the freight forwarder or logistics company are more flexible and personalized. They can arrange transportation plans according to the needs of customers, select suitable shipping companies, and provide customized logistics services, etc.

However, compared with the HBL, the MBL is more secure because the MBL is a bill of lading issued by the shipping company and has legal effect. At the same time, the MBL is more suitable for full container load (FCL) cargo transportation, especially for large logistics companies or freight forwarders.

In conclusion, both the HBL and the MBL are important forms of bills of lading for goods, with different applicable scenarios. When choosing which bill of lading, it is necessary to comprehensively consider according to the specific situation. Whether choosing the HBL or the MBL, it is necessary to choose a regular and experienced company when selecting a freight forwarder or logistics company to ensure the safety and smoothness of cargo transportation.