Master bill of lading is a transport document which is issued by a sea carrier or its agent.

House bill of lading is a transport document which is issued by a freight forwarder.

Main features of a master bill of lading (MBL)

Master bill of lading generally issued on a pre-printed bill of lading form of an issuer carrier.

Master bill of lading issued and signed by the carrier or an agent on behalf of the carrier.

A master bill of lading (MBL) is subject to Hague Rules, The Hague-Visby Rules and US COGSA

Master bill of lading is signed by the actual carrier and states the terms and conditions of the carriage, as a result consignee may have protection in case the goods are damaged or lost in transit.

Main features of a house bill of lading (HBL)?

House bill of lading generally issued on a freight forwarder's bill of lading format.

House bill of lading issued and signed by a forwarder without indicating any signing authority either carrier or as agent of the carrier.

Difference b/w MBL and HBL

1. Master Bill of Lading:

Issued by the actual carrier, such as MSC, Maersk, Yang Ming Lines, etc

Signed either by the carrier or an agent of the carrier

Issued on a pre-printed form of an actual carrier's bill of lading

States the terms and conditions of the carriage, as a result consignee may have protection in case the goods are damaged or lost in transit.
States actual carrier's bill of lading number

2. House Air Waybill:

Issued by the forwarder company, such as XYZ Forwarding Ltd, etc

Signed by the forwarding company without any agency indication of the carrier

Issued on a pre-printed form of a forwarder company's bill of lading

States Forwarder Company’s bill of lading number