What is the definition of a bill of lading?

A bill of lading is a crucial document in maritime commerce that serves multiple purposes, one of which is to provide proof of the cargo that has been received on board a vessel. It is issued by the carrier (such as the ship's captain or the shipping company) to the shipper and outlines important details regarding the shipment, including the type and quantity of goods being transported, the shipping route, and particulars about the shipment's handling.

By issuing this document, the captain—and by extension, the freighter—acknowledges that they have received the goods specified in the document. This acknowledgment serves as an essential piece of evidence in case of disputes regarding the condition and quantity of cargo during transit. Furthermore, it acts as a receipt for the shipper, confirming that the items were indeed loaded onto the vessel in the quantity described.

The other options presented in the question highlight different types of documents or concepts in maritime and shipping law but do not accurately define a bill of lading. For instance, while a freight forwarder's document is important in logistics, it is not equivalent to the bill of lading in terms of legal standing or function. An invoice pertains to shipping services, but it does not represent the receipt of cargo. Lastly, a