(1) The shipper brings his cargo alongside for loading and tenders to the carrier, master or agent a shipping note describing the goods to be loaded.
(2) The goods are tallied as they are loaded. (3) On completion of loading the ship issues to the shipper a mate’s receipt containing details of the quantity and apparent condition of the goods loaded. (4) The shipper, meanwhile, obtains a set of blank, original bills of lading, and any “copy” bills needed to meet his sales contract obligations. (5) The shipper copies the details of the goods loaded from the mate’s receipt onto the bills of lading. (6) The shipper brings the set of original bills of lading to the carrier, carrier’s agent or master for signature. (7) Freight, or part of the freight, may be payable at this stage, depending on the carriage agreement. If freight is fully paid, the bill of lading is endorsed “Freight paid”. (8) The carrier, agent or master compares the details entered by the shipper on the bill of lading with those on the ship’s copy of the mate’s receipt and, if no changes are required, signs the original bills of lading. (Any remarks on the ship’s copy of the mate’s receipt as to defective condition or number of the goods should also appear on the bills of lading. ) (9) The bills of lading are issued to the shipper in exchange for the original mate’s receipt, which is surrendered by the shipper.
