What is the difference between a bill of lading which is signed as carrier and as agent of the carrier?

A bill of lading could be signed by one of the entities stated below:
  • the carrier or 
  • an agent of the carrier or 
  • the master or 
  • an agent of the master or 
  • a freight forwarder.
The party that has signed the bill of lading must indicate its signing capacity.

For example, if the carrier has signed the bill of lading, then it must be indicated on the bill of lading (B/L) that it has been signed by the carrier.


Likewise if the master has signed the bill of lading, then it must be indicated on the bill of lading that it has been signed by the master.