Not always the port of loading
The port of loading is where the container goes onto the ocean vessel. The place of receipt is where the carrier's or NVOCC's responsibility begins, which on a through or combined transport Bill of Lading can be well inland, at a depot, ramp or river terminal. Neither field is the shipper's factory address unless the carrier collects from the door, which some carriers offer as carrier haulage at origin.
The first milestone may be inland
When the place of receipt is inland, the first carrier milestones happen there, not at the port. A timeline might open with gate in at an inland depot or loaded on rail at a ramp, followed days later by arrival at the port of loading. Cut-offs are often earlier too, since the carrier needs time to move the box to the vessel. If the first event shows an unexpected inland location, check the place of receipt on the booking.
Liability and letter of credit checks
The place of receipt marks where the carrier's period of responsibility starts under its Bill of Lading terms, which affects who answers for loss or damage on the leg before the port. It also has to match the sales contract and any letter of credit, since a bank can reject documents that name a different place. Check it on the draft Bill of Lading, because fixing it after issue means asking the carrier for an amendment.
Example
A Bill of Lading shows place of receipt Chongqing and port of loading Shanghai, so the carrier's responsibility starts at its Chongqing terminal and includes the barge or rail leg to Shanghai.
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Questions
What does Place of Receipt mean?
The place of receipt is the point where the carrier, or the NVOCC issuing the Bill of Lading, first takes custody of the cargo. It may be the port of loading or an earlier inland point such as a depot, rail ramp or CFS.
Why is the place of receipt blank on my Bill of Lading?
Usually because the carrier took the cargo at the port, so the port of loading already shows where its responsibility starts. Some carriers repeat the port name in both fields instead.
Who decides the place of receipt?
It is agreed in the booking between the shipper, or its forwarder, and the carrier, based on where the carrier will take over the cargo. It then appears on the Bill of Lading.