Master Bill of Lading

A Master Bill of Lading is the transport document issued by the ocean carrier (shipping line) to the freight forwarder. It covers the entire container or shipment and represents the direct contract between the carrier and the forwarder. When a forwarder consolidates multiple shippers into one container, the MBL covers the whole container while individual House Bills cover each shipper's portion.

In Freight Forwarding

The MBL is the primary document the shipping line uses to track and release cargo. At the destination port, the MBL must be surrendered (or released via telex) before any cargo under it — including individual HBL consignments — can be released. The MBL number is the key reference for vessel tracking, container movements, and customs filings at the carrier level.

How CargoGen Handles It

CargoGen records the master bill on the shipment and links it to all associated house bills. The cargo manifest is rendered from the master bill, and telex release or surrender status is tracked on the record so the destination side knows when cargo can be released.