If you need to make any changes to your B/L, you might have a few questions in mind.
1. Can I change my place of delivery after I have received my bill of lading (B/L)?
Yes, it is possible to change the delivery destination after the bill of lading has been issued. This is called a change of destination (COD). However, it depends on operational constraints; in some cases a COD may not be viable.
If approved, we will confirm any additional costs associated with rerouting the shipment. Once you've paid those charges and confirmed the original B/L has been canceled/voided, then the COD can be processed.
2. Can I switch consignee or shipper after the bill of lading (B/L) has been issued?
Yes, you can change the consignee or shipper details on a bill of lading after it has been issued. However, you’ll need to first confirm that the original B/L listing the old parties has been canceled, destroyed, or voided. Once that’s confirmed, the change can be processed.
3. Does Maersk Go offer a Switch B/L?
Currently, Maersk Go does not offer the option to switch or transfer a Bill of Lading for shipments booked through that platform.
4. How do I make changes to my bill of lading (B/L)?
To amend a bill of lading, log into your account on maersk.com. Locate your shipment’s B/L that you need to change in the ‘Export Overview’ or search for the shipment number and navigate to the ‘Documents’ tab of the Shipment Details and follow these steps:
- Prior to OBL issuance: Select ‘Amend Verify Copy’ and make the required updates like addresses, cargo details, etc. Submit for approval.
- Once the B/L has been issued: Go to shipment details, select ‘Amend Waybill’ or ‘Amend Original Bill of Lading’. Make changes and submit.
We’ll review and reissue the amended B/L once approved.
5. What are the charges for changing the details in the bill of lading?
Amendment charges for bills of lading can vary depending on the specific type of change requested and timing of the request. To get accurate charges for your situation, please contact our team directly.
6. What are challenges associated with electronic bills of lading?
Some key challenges with electronic bills of lading include:
- Lack of universal adoption across countries/ports.
- Some companies may be hesitant to rely on electronic systems for this critical document.
- Technical issues like system failures or data breaches.
- Legal/regulatory uncertainties around digital transfer of ownership.
7. What happens if I lose my bill of lading?
If you lose the original bill of lading document, the release of your cargo will be put on hold. To get the shipment released, you’ll need to either:
- Present a new original B/L.
- Get authorization from the shipper to release without the B/L.
Notify us immediately about the lost bill of lading, so we can guide you through the requirements for getting the cargo released.
8. Can I print my bill of lading (B/L) online without the need to visit the local office?
Yes, you can print your bill of lading online without having to visit a local office. To get set up, you’ll first need to electronically sign a print agreement document. For the US, the blank form can be found under the ‘Useful Forms’ section of the Local Offices and Information page.
9. What is the OBL number?
An original bill of lading number or OBL number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to your container or shipment that is loaded onto a vessel. You can use this OBL number to track your container throughout the shipping process.
10. What is a Seaway Bill?
A Seaway Bill, also called a Waybill, is a type of bill of lading you use for port-to-port or multimodal shipments involving multiple carriers. Unlike a standard B/L, a Waybill is not considered a document of title, and no originals are issued.
11. When will I receive a verify copy?
Once you provide your complete shipping instructions, we will begin processing your ‘Verify Copy’. You will receive a notification when it is ready for your review.
