Through B/L - Under a
Through B/L the ocean carrier acts only as an agent for the shipper in
arranging the pre and on carriage. The pre/ on carrier may be a feeder vessel
or land transport (road/rail). The ocean
carrier will arrange the pre/on carriage and will charge merchant for the
service. But, will not have any direct liability for any loss or damage to the
cargo during those part (pre/on carriage) of the journey. The responsibility of
the carrier is limited.
Combined Transport B/L – Here the carrier accepts liability from
beginning to end. This B/L is the requirement of container trade to facilitate
door-to-door movement. In the case of a door-to-door movement of containers there is carrier haulage at both ends, which
combines various modes of transport, and it is logical that the carrier accepts
liability from the shipper’s premises to the consignees’ premises.
