House Bill of Lading (HBL) Guide

If you are shipping ocean freight from China, your freight forwarder will issue you a document called a House Bill of Lading (HBL). This is one of the most important documents in international shipping - it proves the forwarder received your cargo, evidences the contract of carriage, and serves as a document of title that lets you claim cargo at destination. Understanding how the HBL works, the difference between HBL and Master B/L, and telex release vs original is essential for every importer.

A House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a transport document issued by an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) freight forwarder like Dantful Logistics to the actual shipper. The HBL serves three legal functions under international maritime law:

• Receipt for cargo: Confirms the forwarder has received the cargo in the stated condition. The HBL shows cargo description, number of packages, weight, volume, container number and seal number.
• Evidence of contract of carriage: Proves a transport agreement exists between the shipper and the forwarder. The HBL terms and conditions govern liability, claims and dispute resolution.
• Document of title: The holder of an original HBL has the right to claim cargo at destination. A negotiable HBL (order B/L) can transfer title by endorsement; a straight B/L is non-negotiable and only the named consignee can claim cargo.

The HBL is issued by the NVOCC because the NVOCC does not own the vessel. The actual carrier (Maersk, MSC, COSCO, etc.) issues a Master Bill of Lading (MBL) to the NVOCC. The NVOCC then issues its own HBL to the shipper. This two-layer B/L system is standard in NVOCC freight forwarding.

When your HBL is issued, you choose one of two release methods at destination:

• Telex release (electric release): The origin forwarder sends an electronic message to the destination forwarder agent instructing them to release cargo without the original HBL. The consignee simply identifies themselves and pays destination charges. This is faster (no courier delay), safer (no document loss risk) and is the standard for most DDP and FCL shipments today.
• Original HBL: The forwarder issues 3 original HBL copies. The shipper courier's one original to the consignee, who must present the endorsed original to the forwarder agent to claim cargo. Used for letter of credit shipments or when the buyer requires original documents for their bank or customs.

For most shipments through Dantful, we default to telex release unless you specifically request original B/L. Letter of credit (L/C) shipments typically require original B/L per the L/C terms.

The HBL can be issued in two forms:

• Straight B/L (non-negotiable): The consignee field shows a specific named party. Only that party can claim cargo at destination. Title cannot transfer by endorsement. This is the most common form for standard import/export shipments.
• Order B/L (negotiable): The consignee field shows "To Order" or "To Order of [Bank]". Title can transfer by endorsement on the back of the B/L. Used for letter of credit transactions where the bank holds title until payment is confirmed.

A standard HBL contains the following fields:

• Shipper: Name and address of the exporter
• Consignee: Name and address of the importer (or "To Order")
• Notify Party: Party to be notified on arrival (buyer, broker or bank)
• Vessel / Voyage: Ship name and voyage number
• Port of Loading: Chinese departure port (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo)
• Port of Discharge: Destination port (Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Felixstowe)
• Container No. & Seal No.: Container identifier and tamper-proof seal
• Cargo Description: Commodity, number of packages, gross weight, volume (CBM)
• Freight Terms: Prepaid or Collect
• Incoterm: FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.
• Number of Originals: Usually 3, or "Telex Release"

Need a House Bill of Lading for your next shipment? As a licensed NVOCC, Dantful Logistics issues HBLs with telex release or original options for FCL, LCL and DDP shipments. Request a quote or learn about our ocean freight service.