Bill of Lading — Types

The bill of lading takes several forms distinguished by how title and possession transfer. Order bills are negotiable and transferred by indorsement, allowing the goods to be sold while afloat. Bearer bills transfer simply by delivery. Straight bills name the consignee and are not negotiable — possession follows the named party only. Switch bills replace the original set after a sale-on. Sea waybills are non-negotiable receipts evidencing the contract of carriage. The choice has significant consequences under the Hague-Visby Rules, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, and ICC eUCP electronic bill of lading regimes.