How to Verify a Bill of Lading Before You Pay
By the Vanguard Verify desk · Published 2026-10-24 · Updated 2026-11-03
Short answer: confirm the bill of lading (B/L) directly with the carrier that issued it, using contact details you find yourself, then cross-check the vessel, voyage dates and container numbers against independent sources. The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) exposed fake shipments backed by convincing documents precisely this way — by asking the physical carriers and port authorities whether the shipment really happened.
What a B/L must show
Under UCP 600 Article 20, a bill of lading presented under a letter of credit must indicate the carrier's name and be signed by the carrier, the master or a named agent; show the goods shipped on board a named vessel at the port of loading; show the ports of loading and discharge; and be the sole original or the full set of originals issued. Use those elements as your checklist.
Step-by-step check
- Identify the issuer. Is it the ocean carrier, or an NVOCC (a carrier that does not operate vessels)? Note the name, address and signatory.
- Contact the issuer independently. Find the carrier's official website yourself and ask its documentation team to confirm the B/L number, shipper, consignee, vessel and quantities. Never use the phone number or email printed on the document.
- Check the vessel. Confirm the named vessel exists (IMO number) and that it called at the port of loading on the stated on-board date, using carrier schedules or AIS ship-tracking services.
- Check the containers. A container number has 4 letters, 6 digits and a check digit (ISO 6346). Validate the check digit and track the container on the carrier's website; it should be on that vessel on those dates.
- For NVOCC B/Ls, verify the NVOCC. Confirm it is a registered company and ask which ocean carrier physically carried the cargo; then check with that carrier too. IMB has run an NVOCC register to help counterparties check NVOCC standards.
- Match the documents. Quantities, weights, marks and dates must agree with the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and inspection report — see how to verify an SGS report.
Red flags
- The vessel called at the port, but not on the B/L date (a pattern IMB reported).
- Real container numbers that were on another voyage at the time.
- Well-known carrier letterhead with a free webmail contact address.
- "Copy B/L" offered as proof of product before any contract or payment instrument.
- Shipper or consignee names that don't match the contract parties.
- Seller refuses to let your bank or inspector contact the carrier.
Quick reference
| Item | Verify with |
|---|---|
| B/L number & parties | Carrier documentation desk |
| Vessel & dates | IMO number, carrier schedule, AIS history |
| Containers | ISO 6346 check digit, carrier tracking |
| NVOCC issuer | Company registry, physical carrier |
See also how to verify a commodity supplier.
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FAQ
Can I check a bill of lading number online?
Many ocean carriers let you track B/L or container numbers on their official websites. Always reach the site yourself, not through a link the seller sends.
What is an NVOCC bill of lading?
A B/L issued by a non-vessel operating common carrier, which contracts with ocean carriers to move cargo. Verify both the NVOCC and the physical carrier.
Which rule covers bills of lading under an LC?
UCP 600 Article 20 sets the requirements for a bill of lading presented under a documentary credit.
What is the International Maritime Bureau bill of lading check?
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) offers document and vessel checks, mainly to its members, that test whether a bill of lading matches a real vessel, voyage and cargo. You can also confirm a B/L for free with the carrier named on it, using contact details you find yourself.
How can I check that the vessel on a bill of lading really sailed?
Take the 7-digit IMO number, confirm the ship in Equasis, and check AIS tracking history to see whether it was at the load port on the B/L date.
Vanguard Verify is run by Vanguard Trade Capital Goods Wholesalers DWC-LLC, Dubai South, Licence 14282. This answer is general information, not legal or financial advice.