Document background
The Direct Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international shipping and trade, used when goods are shipped directly from the supplier to the final consignee without intermediate parties. Operating under New Zealand jurisdiction, this document complies with the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and incorporates international conventions such as the Hague-Visby Rules. A Direct Bill of Lading serves three essential functions: it acts as a receipt confirming the carrier's possession of the goods, represents a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, and serves as a document of title to the goods. It contains crucial information including vessel details, cargo specifications, parties involved, and terms of carriage. This document is particularly important in international trade finance and customs clearance, providing security and clarity for all parties involved in the shipping transaction.
