What is a FIATA BL?
A FIATA BL is a multimodal transport document and can be relevant in transport chains with several modes of transport or banking requirements.
FIATA BL stands for FIATA Bill of Lading. It refers to the FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading, an internationally used transport document in multimodal transport. It can be relevant when a transport chain includes several modes of transport, for example truck, rail, sea or ferry transport.
A FIATA BL documents the receipt of the goods and the obligation to transport them as part of a multimodal transport. Depending on how it is issued and the trade structure, it can also have commercial significance and play a role in international trade transactions, banking processes or letters of credit.
For classic international truck transports, the CMR consignment note is usually the central transport document. A FIATA BL is only required if it is explicitly requested or if the transport or trade structure makes it necessary.