B/L: Identification of Carrier and Date

LC VIEWS - Single Window Q&A No. 72 - Apr 11, 2008

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Question from S.:
Dear Sirs,
Thanks for you reply. I very much agree with you. again some detail so that you can opine for sure.
a. i received a number of BLs (LC calls for a ocean BL) which shows something like this
* ABC Shipping Line
-------------------------
All the content requirements of 20(a) fulfilled
-------------------------
ABC Shipping Line
(Signature)
Authorized Signature
as you can see there is no where written that ABC shipping line is the carrier. i feel its implied. but does it meet the requirement of 20(a)?
2. I fully accept Mr. Bogdan's assumptions. the date was not written anywhere but as stated.
thanks to both of u for ur kind reply. I will be highly grateful if u could please advise me on no. 1
Regards
S.

Answer from T.O. Lee:
In fact the definition of a carrier is printed at the back of the B/L, often at the very beginning of the terms and conditions of carriage.
The trouble is that bankers do not wish to read the back of the B/L for terms and conditions of carriage. I think they should read at least a small part of those terms to determine who the carrier is. This does not need deep knowledge about maritime transport.
Hence, the identity of the carrier is not a transport issue. It is created by those bankers who refuse to read the back side of the B/L. It can be easily resolved by those open-minded bankers who do not mind to go a little step further to create customer services.
T. O.

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