Glossary of Shipping Terms: Beam - Bill of Lading (B/L)

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Glossary of Shipping Terms: Beam - Bill of Lading (B/L)

Beam
The width of a ship.

Belt Line
A switching railroad operating within a commercial area.

Beneficiary
· Entity to whom money is payable.
· The entity for whom a letter of credit is issued.
· The seller and the drawer of a draft.

Berth Terms
Shipped under rate that includes cost from end of ship's tackle at load port to end of ship's tackle at discharge port.

Beyond
Used with reference to charges assessed for cargo movement past a line-haul terminating point.

Bilateral
A contract term meaning both parties agree to provide something for the other.

Bill of Exchange
In the United States, commonly known as a "Draft." However, bill of exchange is the correct term.

Bill of Lading (B/L)
A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage and a receipt for goods.


The terms in this glossary have been carefully selected from the myriad of terms one can encounter in the shipping business through the Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. Neither the U.S. Government or Shipping-web.com assume liability for its contents or use thereof nor do they endorse products. We hope you will find it useful.