Bill of Lading is issued by:

Correct option is A

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is a crucial document in international trade and shipping. It serves as:
1. A receipt of goods issued to the shipper,
2. A contract of carriage, and
3. A document of title enabling transfer of ownership.
This document is issued by the shipping company (or the carrier), which may be signed by the master (captain) of the ship or an authorized agent on behalf of the shipping company. However, the legal issuer remains the shipping company, not the captain alone.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Shipping company.
Information Booster
1. Bill of Lading is used in marine shipping as proof that goods have been loaded.
2. It contains details such as shipper, consignee, cargo description, vessel name, port of loading, port of discharge, etc.
3. It is considered a document of title, enabling transfer of ownership through endorsement.
4. Types of B/L include Clean B/L, Claused B/L, On-board B/L, Through B/L, and Negotiable B/L.
5. It is essential for claiming goods at the destination port.
Additional Information
· (b) Captain of the ship: The captain may sign the B/L, but he does so on behalf of the shipping company, not as the issuer.
· (c) Custom officer: Customs authorities verify documents but do not issue a Bill of Lading.
· (d) Agent of the exporter: Export agents help in documentation but are not authorized to issue a B/L.