House Bill of Lading (HBL): The key for consolidated shipments
The House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a type of document used in maritime transport. This is a bill of lading document issued by a freight forwarder or an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier).
Unlike the Master Bill of Lading (MBL), which is issued directly by the shipping line, the HBL is the document your company receives from the freight forwarder. It is your receipt and contract of carriage directly with them.
How does the HBL work? A practical example
Imagine your company wants to send two pallets of goods to the USA. It's a small quantity, so you contract a freight forwarder to manage the shipment. The steps would be as follows:
Consolidation
Your freight forwarder collects your two pallets and combines them with cargo from other exporters also sending goods to the same destination.
HBL Issuance
The freight forwarder issues the House Bill of Lading to you. In this document, your company appears as the "shipper" and your client in the USA as the "consignee".
MBL Issuance
With all consolidated cargo in a single container, the freight forwarder takes the container to the shipping line. The shipping line, in turn, issues a Master Bill of Lading (MBL) to the freight forwarder.
Result: In a single maritime transport operation, two key documents coexist:
- HBL:Your contract with the freight forwarder.
- MBL:The freight forwarder's contract with the shipping line.
Functions of the HBL: What is it for?
The HBL fulfills the same three functions as any Bill of Lading, but in the context of your relationship with the freight forwarder:
Receipt of goods
Certifies that the freight forwarder has received your cargo.
Contract of carriage
Evidences the agreement between your company and the freight forwarder.
Title of ownership
Gives you legal control over your cargo. For your client at the destination to receive the goods, they must present the HBL to the freight forwarder's office or its agent.
HBL vs. MBL: What's the difference?
| Criterion | House Bill of Lading (HBL) | Master Bill of Lading (MBL) |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by: | The freight forwarder or NVOCC. | The shipping line or maritime carrier. |
| Shipper: | The original exporter (your company). | The freight forwarder who consolidates the cargo. |
| Consignee: | The final importer (your client). | The freight forwarder's agent at the destination port. |
| Scope: | Covers a single shipment or part of a container. | Covers the entire container, which may contain shipments from several clients. |
| Main use: | For LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments or when a freight forwarder is used to manage logistics. | For direct FCL (Full Container Load) shipments with the shipping line or for consolidations managed by a freight forwarder. |
Issued by:
HBL
The freight forwarder or NVOCC.
MBL
The shipping line or maritime carrier.
Shipper:
HBL
The original exporter (your company).
MBL
The freight forwarder who consolidates the cargo.
Consignee:
HBL
The final importer (your client).
MBL
The freight forwarder's agent at the destination port.
Scope:
HBL
Covers a single shipment or part of a container.
MBL
Covers the entire container, which may contain shipments from several clients.
Main use:
HBL
For LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments or when a freight forwarder is used to manage logistics.
MBL
For direct FCL (Full Container Load) shipments with the shipping line or for consolidations managed by a freight forwarder.
In short, the House Bill of Lading is your document of ownership and control when you work with a logistics intermediary, a freight forwarder in this case. It is a fundamental piece in the complex machinery of maritime transport, especially in consolidated cargo shipments, so knowing the document and how to manage it correctly is essential.
Related documentation
Bill of Lading (B/L): the master document of your cargo
Maritime transport contract between shipper and shipping line.
Commercial Invoice and Packing List
Details of the commercial transaction and package contents.
Cargo Manifest
Official list of all cargo aboard the vessel.
Certificate of Origin (COO)
Certifies the country of manufacture of exported goods.
Marine Insurance Policy
Covers risks of loss or damage during maritime transport.
Charter Party
Contract between ship owner and charterer for vessel use.
Health, Phytosanitary or Veterinary Certificates
Guarantee compliance with health standards for certain products.