When doing export-import shipment, Bill of lading (B/L) is certainly one of the most important documents to have. However, there are different types of B/L, which are HBL and MBL, that makes trader confused. Then, what is the difference between HBL and MBL?
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Before we jump to the differences between HBL and MBL, it is better to know what is bill of lading first.
What is Bill of Lading (B/L)?
Bill of Lading (B/L) is a receipt for the transportation of goods as an intermediary between the shipper and the consignee. Therefore, it is as a guarantee of the goods in the process of shipment.
What is HBL (House Bill of Lading)?
House Bill of Lading or HBL is one of a type of B/L issued by shippers using their name on the B/L, whether the B/L status may be transferable or not traded at all.
Usually the shipper is the actual shipper/exporter of the cargo. And also the consignee will usually be the actual consignee/importer. Likewise, the Notify may be the same as the consignee (or other parties).
If the exporter wants to send the goods to his customer abroad, then he will contact the carrier.
What is MBL (Master Bill of Lading)?
Then, there are also Master Bill of Lading or colloquially known as Marine or Ocean Bill of Lading. Shipping companies usually issue this to transport goods by ship from port to port.
Inside MBL, The consignor is NVOCC Carrier, or Freight Forwarder. While the consignee is usually the destination agent or partner, or the office of the NVOCC operator or carrier. The notify may be the notify themselves or another party.
In addition, when the goods are sent by the freight forwarder to the shipping company and upon receipt of the goods, the shipping company issues an MBL.
Differences Between HBL and MBL
To explain it further, we will divide it into 2 types, which are FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Container Load).
1. FCL (Full Container Load) Shipment
When doing shipment using FCL, there are differences on both kinds of B/L. Such as :
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
- Consignor: goods owner/exporter.
- Consignee: consignee/importer.
- Notify: Usually the same as the consignee.
Master bill of lading (MBL)
- Shipper: NVOCC or forwarder
- Consignee: Owner/importer of goods
- Notify: Forwarder/NVOCC in destination country
2. LCL (Less Container Load) Shipment
House Bill of Lading (HBL).
- Consignor: Goods owner/exporter.
- Consignee: Consignee/Importer.
- Notify: Usually the same as the consignee.
Master bill of lading (MBL)
- Shipper: NVOCC or forwarder
- Consignee: Forwarder/NVOCC in destination country
- Notify: Forwarder/NVOCC in destination country
In conclusion, it is necessary to get a grasp on how to differ both of them. If you need any help regarding of your Export and Import activities, feel free to contact us. We provide several services such as Importer of Record (IoR) in Indonesia, Brokerage, Distributor, customs clearance, and delivery to your place.
We provide several services such as Importer of Record (IoR) in Indonesia, Brokerage, Distributor, customs clearance, and delivery to your place.
