Bill of Lading and Missing Cargo

I am constantly amazed that physical movement of cargo lacks basic principals. The sign-off of the Bill of Lading is critical to the safe movement of goods and should be notated for any Over, Short or Damage (OS&D). So often its not done and liabilities are not identified. Warehouses, carriers and other parties to the movement of the goods are taking on responsibilities for missing or damaged goods with out knowing it.

Bills of Lading are commonly issued against other documents, like the commercial invoice. The carrier (trucker, airline, ocean line) is responsible for carrying the goods identified on the B/L. If the crates loaded do not match the the Bill of Lading, then the B/L must be notated, indicating the discrepancy. The party handing over the goods must sign for the discrepancy. If not, liability for the missing goods gets passed on to each party down the line. This applies to all cargo transfers, Over, Short or Damaged (OS&D)
You cannot make an insurance claim against a party if they have a clean B/L. In other words, they have evidence on the B/L that the documented quantity was signed off by the receiving party without exception.

Check the basics of your logistics flow. It will pay off.