Document background
The Master Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in maritime transport, used when goods are transported by sea under Australian jurisdiction. It serves three essential functions: acting as a receipt confirming the carrier's acceptance of goods, evidencing the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and serving as a document of title to the goods. This document is crucial for international trade as it allows for the transfer of ownership while goods are in transit and provides evidence of the terms agreed between parties. The Master Bill of Lading incorporates provisions from the Australian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1991 and relevant international conventions, ensuring compliance with both domestic and international maritime law requirements. It is typically used for regular shipping arrangements and contains standardized terms that apply to multiple shipments.
