1999: Conference Proceedings
Articles

Bills of Lading: Some Traps for the Unwary

Published 1999-09-25

Keywords

  • bills of lading,
  • combined transport bill of lading,
  • carriage of goods by sea,
  • freight rates,
  • cargo loss or damage,
  • freight lien,
  • Hague Rules 1924,
  • cargo discharge,
  • exemption clause,
  • fraudulent bill of lading
  • ...More
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Abstract

Williams presents this paper as part of Business Session 7. In it, he argues (through a series of pertinent case studies) that just as it was in 1978, the requirement to adhere to delivery conditions and surrendering of bills of lading has been neglected and that bills have been misused. Williams cautions against the use of unknown charterers, advises against getting involved in novel trades, and suggests that carriers should avoid placing undue faith in their supposed control of the bills of lading.