A master ledger maintained by a ship's master or supercargo that compiles all individual bills of lading for a voyage. It serves as the official, comprehensive manifest of every item of freight taken aboard, detailing weights, quantities, shippers, and destinations. This record is critical for customs declarations, calculating freight rates, and settling disputes over missing cargo.
The customs officer demanded to see the book of lading before granting us clearance to discharge the hold.
Related terms
Bill of lading
A legal document issued by a carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of cargo being carried.
Supercargo
A representative of the cargo owner or charterer who travels on board to oversee the freight.
General cargo
Goods shipped as individual units rather than in bulk or standard shipping containers.