What Is the Purpose of Having Three Original Bills of Lading?

There is a clear and practical reason why three original bills of lading are issued in international shipping.

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is one of the most critical documents in global trade. It serves three main purposes:

1. It confirms that the carrier has received the goods.

2. It acts as evidence of the contract of carriage.

3. Most importantly, it represents legal ownership of the cargo.

To receive the goods at the destination port, the consignee must present an original bill of lading to the carrier or its agent. Without it, the cargo cannot be released. In this way, a bill of lading functions much like a negotiable instrument—similar to a cheque—where only the original document grants the right to claim the goods.

This raises an obvious question: if one original is enough, why issue three?

Why Are There Three Original Bills of Lading?

Although commonly referred to as “three originals,” they are often labeled as:

• First Original

• Second Original (Duplicate)

• Third Original (Triplicate)

All three originals carry equal legal value.

The primary reason for issuing multiple originals is risk management.

Imagine a situation where only one original bill of lading is issued and sent by post to the consignee. International mail can sometimes be delayed or lost. If that single original is lost, the consignee would be unable to collect the cargo, potentially causing serious delays, storage costs, or disputes.

By issuing three originals, the shipper has backups. If the first original is lost, the second original can be sent—often using a faster and more secure courier service such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS. The likelihood of losing more than one original through different delivery methods is extremely low.

If, in rare cases, both the first and second originals are lost, the third original provides a final safeguard. The shipper can surrender it directly at the carrier’s destination office, allowing the cargo to be released without unnecessary complications.

Important Update for 2024

Digital Bills of Lading (eB/L)

With advancements in technology, electronic bills of lading (eB/L) are becoming increasingly common. They significantly reduce the risk of physical loss and speed up document transfer. Platforms such as Bolero and essDOCS enable secure digital issuance, endorsement, and transfer of bills of lading.

Legal Recognition

Many countries have updated their legal frameworks to recognize electronic bills of lading as legally binding. These changes align with international standards, including the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce, making eB/Ls a reliable alternative to paper documents.

Practical Advice

If paper bills of lading are still being used, it is strongly recommended to send originals using different delivery methods or couriers. When opting for digital bills of lading, ensure that all parties involved—shippers, banks, carriers, and consignees—are equipped to handle eB/L transactions.

Conclusion

Each original bill of lading should be sent separately, not all at once. First-time exporters sometimes make the mistake of sending all three originals together, which defeats their purpose and increases risk.

The existence of three original bills of lading is a simple yet effective safeguard against document loss. While surrendered bills of lading, sea waybills, and electronic bills of lading are increasingly used today, understanding the purpose of multiple originals remains essential for smooth and secure international trade.

Learn more about surrender bills of lading to explore safer alternatives in modern shipping.