lading

Lading refers to the cargo that is carried or to be carried by a transport vessel or other freight carrier, and to the act of loading that cargo onto the vehicle. In common usage, the term is closely associated with maritime shipping, where ships are loaded with goods destined for another port. The word derives from lade, meaning to load or carry.

In maritime law, lading is central to the bill of lading, a document issued by the carrier to the shipper or consignee acknowledging receipt of the cargo for shipment. The bill of lading serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, a receipt for the goods, and, in many cases, a document of title that may be negotiable or transferable by endorsement. The terms of the bill of lading help determine risk, liability, and responsibilities during transport.

Bills of lading can vary in form. A clean bill indicates the goods were received in apparent good order, while a dirty or claused bill notes damage, short-landing, or other discrepancies. Some bills are made “to order” or “to bearer,” enabling transfer of ownership along the way. In addition to oceans and inland waterways, similar documentation exists for other modes of transport, such as air waybills for air cargo, though these have different legal characteristics.

Lading also appears in logistics and supply chain practice as a component of manifests, loading plans, and cargo documentation. Accurate description of the lading, including quantity, weight, measurements, and packaging, is essential for customs clearance, insurance, liability allocation, and efficient delivery.