Short Form versus Long Form Bills of Lading

Short Form Bill of Lading

In a short form bill of lading---blank back bill of lading---the terms and conditions of carriage on the reverse (back) of the bill of lading (B/L) are omitted, instead they are listed on a document other than the B/L. Unless otherwise stipulated in the letter of credit (L/C), a short form bill of lading is acceptable.

The short form B/L saves the cost of printing (i.e., no printing on the back of the B/L) and if the terms and conditions of carriage change, there is no need to reprint the B/L form.

Long Form Bill of Lading

In a long form bill of lading the terms and conditions of carriage are printed on the reverse (back) of the bill of lading. The long form bill of lading is commonly used in international shipping.