A bill of lading is a document which legally serves as a receipt of good and is a contrast to carry them. Shipping containers you will have one of two different type of BOLs no matter the form of transport you choose. You will either be given a HBL or MBL for either LCL (less than container load) or FCL (full container load).
If you are using a forwarder versus going direct to the steamline ship you will receive a HBL (incoterms used FOB or EXW). The forwarder (who is directed by the buyer) will arrange all operations, mainly handling the arrangement of the container. When the country of origin receives the cargo at the terminal they will use a House Bill of Lading to the seller (shipper) for the cargo recovery. The Master bill of lading will be provided to the forwarder by the carrier and it will be a replica of the HBL with the difference of Shipper, Consignee and Nofiying party. The HBL states the shipper as the exporter of goods while
If a seller or shipper books the container directly with the steamline ship carrier then an MBL will be supplied directly to the seller.
