Glossary term
Through Bill of Lading
A single transport document covering carriage over successive legs, possibly by different carriers.
One document covering the whole journey, including legs performed by other carriers.
What varies is liability. Some through bills make the issuing carrier responsible throughout; others make it responsible only for its own leg and an agent for the rest. The difference decides who a claimant sues, and it is in the terms rather than the name. See combined transport.