← Back to glossary Category: Logistică · Acronym: B/L Bill of Lading (B/L) Quick answer: The sea transport document proving receipt of goods, the transport contract and title to the goods. Key takeawaysStraight B/L — non-negotiable, fixed consigneeOrder B/L — negotiable, transferable by endorsementTelex release / Sea Waybill — variants without a physical original What a bill of lading is Bill of Lading (B/L) is the document issued by the sea carrier that serves at once as proof of receipt of goods, transport contract and negotiable title to the goods. Why it matters to the board For importing companies, the B/L is key to releasing goods from port and to letter-of-credit payments. B/L errors hold goods and create demurrage costs. Types Straight B/L — non-negotiable, fixed consignee Order B/L — negotiable, transferable by endorsement Telex release / Sea Waybill — variants without a physical original How Azuvio helps Azuvio keeps import documents (B/L, packing list, commercial invoice) linked to the purchase order and lead time, giving visibility over goods in transit up to receipt. Frequently askedDifference between B/L and CMR?B/L covers sea transport (and is title to goods); CMR covers international road transport. They are documents for different transport modes.What is a telex release?An electronic release of goods without presenting the physical original B/L, used to speed up delivery at the destination port. Where Azuvio fitsSoftware OMSSoftware WMSConectori ERP Related termsCMR Consignment Note — The international road transport document proving the contract between consignor, carrier and consignee.Incoterms — Standardised international rules (ICC) defining who pays for transport, risk and customs in a commercial transaction.HS Code (Tariff Code) — The international customs classification code for goods, determining duties and import/export restrictions.Landed Cost — The total real cost of a product up to the warehouse: purchase price + freight + duties + insurance + handling. Last updated: 2026-07-06