Document background
The Manual Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in Canadian shipping and transportation operations, used when goods are transported by sea, land, or air. This document is required whenever goods are being shipped commercially, whether domestically within Canada or internationally. The Manual Bill of Lading must comply with Canadian federal legislation, including the Bills of Lading Act and Marine Liability Act, and when used internationally, must also adhere to relevant international conventions. It contains critical information such as the description of goods, shipping parties, terms of carriage, and serves three main functions: a receipt for goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title that enables the transfer of ownership. The document's manual nature allows for detailed customization and specific annotations when needed, making it particularly useful for complex shipments or special cargo requirements.
