If you're an Indian importer or planning to start an import business, you’ve likely heard of the term Bill of Lading or at least seen the abbreviation BL on your shipping documents. But what exactly is a BL number, and why does it matter so much when you're moving goods across borders?
Understanding the Bill of Lading is essential because it’s more than just a piece of paper. It’s your key, one of the most important documents to import goods in India. From this, you can track shipments, clear customs, and prove ownership of goods. Yet, many business owners don’t realize its importance until they face delays, penalties, or disputes.
In this article, we’ll explain everything Indian importers need to know about the BL number, from what it is, how it works, and where to find it, to how you can use it to track your cargo and streamline your operations. We'll also introduce a reliable partner, iLife Import can take the burden of document handling and tracking off your shoulders.
What is a Bill of Lading (BL)?
A Bill of Lading is a core document in international shipping. It's issued by the carrier or shipping company when goods are loaded onto a vessel and serves three main purposes:
- It acts as evidence of a shipping contract between the exporter and the shipping company.
- It is a receipt confirming that goods have been received by the carrier for shipment.
- It serves as a document of title, meaning the person who holds it legally owns the goods.
For Indian importers, the Bill of Lading is important when working with customs officials, banks, freight forwarders, and port authorities. Without it, you can't legally take delivery of your goods at the port.
Understanding import rules in India can work in favor of importers. After all, no one from the importers wants to hold their container at the customs department or in-depth inspection affecting the quality of goods.
What is a BL Number in Shipment?
The BL number, or Bill of Lading number, is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each shipment. It allows all stakeholders: importers, customs officials, freight forwarders, and shipping lines to reference a specific shipment across different systems.
This number is what you’ll use for BL tracking, checking your cargo’s location, estimating arrival dates, and verifying the status of your shipment. For importers managing multiple consignments, keeping track of these numbers is essential to maintain control and avoid costly delays.
Where Can You Find the BL Number on the Document?
The BL number is typically located in the top-right section of the Bill of Lading document. It begins with a carrier-specific prefix (such as MAEU for Maersk, MSCU for MSC), followed by a 9–10 digit unique number.
Example:
MAEU123456789
- MAEU = Maersk Line carrier code
- 123456789 = unique shipment number
This identifier is crucial for container tracking, customs clearance, and shipment verification. Always double-check it for accuracy when submitting import documents or communicating with logistics partners.
Types of Bill of Lading in International Trade
Depending on the nature of the shipment and how it's being handled, the type of Bill of Lading you receive may differ. Here are the most common types Indian importers deal with:
1. Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
Issued by the carrier to the freight forwarder. It documents the full container load and is recognized by port and shipping authorities.
2. House Bill of Lading (HBL)
This BL is issued by a freight forwarder to the shipper. It’s used in cases where multiple customers share container space under a consolidated shipment.
3. Straight Bill of Lading
A non-negotiable document that transfers goods only to the named consignee. It is commonly used when the goods are prepaid or there’s no reselling.
4. Order Bill of Lading
A negotiable document that allows the consignee to transfer ownership by endorsing it. This is used in more complex trade and finance scenarios.
5. Bearer Bill of Lading
The person holding this document can claim the goods. Due to high risks, it’s rarely used in modern trade.
Understanding which type of BL you're dealing with helps avoid confusion and ensures a smoother release of goods, especially when importing goods from China to India.
Using a BL Number for Shipment and Container Tracking
BL numbers are essential for tracking your goods as they move through international waters and across customs barriers. Almost all major shipping lines offer online tracking tools.
How to Track a Shipment with a BL Number:
- Go to the official website of your shipping line (e.g., Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd).
- Locate the “Track Shipment” or “BL Tracking” section.
- Enter your complete BL number.
- View the status updates, including:
- Departure from the origin port
- Loading confirmation
- Vessel in transit
- Arrival at destination port
- Discharge and customs clearance
For Indian importers, this helps plan customs procedures and inland transportation in advance. It also prevents surprises like shipment delays or misrouted cargo.
If you're working with a freight forwarder, make sure they share real-time tracking updates with you, or better yet, use a managed service like iLife Import that monitors your shipments on your behalf.
Why the BL Number is Important for Indian Importers?
In India’s import environment, where port congestion, documentation delays, and customs scrutiny are frequent, keeping track of your BL number can mean the difference between smooth delivery and costly demurrage.
Here’s why Indian businesses must take the BL seriously:
- Customs Filing: You need the BL number to file the Import General Manifest (IGM) with Indian Customs via ICEGATE.
- Ownership Proof: It's your evidence that you legally own the cargo. So, even at customs clearance in China or India, the container does not have to face delays.
- Bank Transactions: For transactions under Letters of Credit, banks require the original or electronic BL as part of the documentation.
- Cargo Release: Shipping lines won’t release goods without a valid, verified BL number or surrender notice.
Ignoring this one number can disrupt your supply chain entirely. Also, prefer the best shipping method in international trade to secure the goods proactively and maintain their quality.
How iLife Import Helps You Manage BL Numbers and Shipment Tracking
Indian importers struggle with tracking multiple shipments, coordinating with carriers, and dealing with sudden delays or documentation errors. That’s where iLife Import comes in.
Here’s how iLife Import supports you:
- BL Verification: We cross-check your Bill of Lading for discrepancies or red flags before submission.
- Real-time Tracking: We track your cargo across ports, vessels, and carriers using BL numbers and notify you of key events.
- Customs Coordination: We use accurate BL data for timely customs filings and clearance.
- Port Liaison: Our team stays in touch with port authorities to avoid delays caused by missing documents or incorrect entries.
With iLife Import, you don’t just get a service. You gain a strategic partner that ensures your goods arrive on time and without surprise charges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with BL Numbers
Even experienced importers make mistakes when handling BL numbers. Here are some of the most frequent ones and how to avoid them:
- Entering Incorrect BL Numbers on Customs or Bank Forms: Even one digit wrong can cause customs rejection or a shipment hold.
- Misplacing or Losing the Original BL Document: Especially important for Order or Straight BLs; always keep soft and hard copies secure.
- Not Verifying MBL and HBL Details: Any mismatch between the Master and House BL can cause shipment release issues.
- Delaying Surrender Instructions: If you're using a telex release, don’t wait until the vessel arrives. Give surrender instructions in advance.
- Failing to Track Shipment Proactively: Don't wait until the container is at the port. Start tracking as soon as the BL is issued.
FAQs
- What is a BL number in shipping?
A BL number is the unique identification number assigned to a Bill of Lading. It’s used to track the shipment, verify documentation, and process customs clearance.
- How do I track a shipment using a BL number?
Visit your shipping line’s website, enter your BL number in the tracking field, and view the status updates of your cargo.
- Where can I find the BL number?
It is printed at the top section of the Bill of Lading document, usually next to the barcode or shipping reference number.
- Is a BL number the same as a container number?
No. The BL number refers to the shipping document, while the container number identifies the physical container that holds your goods.
- Can I import goods without a BL number?
No. The BL number is mandatory for customs clearance, documentation, and cargo release. Without it, your goods may not be released from the port.
Conclusion: Make the BL Number Work for You, Not Against You
For Indian importers, the Bill of Lading number is not just a reference. It’s your lifeline in international shipping. It keeps your cargo traceable, your documents compliant, and your operations smooth.
However, managing multiple shipments, BL formats, and tracking tools can quickly get overwhelming. That’s where partnering with an expert like iLife Import makes all the difference.
We take the guesswork out of international shipping and ensure your cargo and your business keep moving.
Need help with BL tracking or document management?
Contact iLife Import today for a smoother, smarter way to import goods into India.
