(a) A Government bill of lading (GBL), Optional Forms 1103 or 1203, is a controlled document that conveys specific terms and conditions to protect the Government interest and serves as the contract of carriage.

(b) A GBL is used only for international shipments.

(c) A bill of lading, sometimes referred to as a commercial bill of lading, establishes the terms of contract between a shipper and TSP. It serves as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage, and documentary evidence of title.

(d) Use a bill of lading for Government shipments if the specific terms and conditions of a GBL are included in any contract or rate tender (see §102-117.65) and the bill of lading makes reference to that contract or rate tender (see §102-117.75 and the “U.S. Government Freight Transportation Handbook”).

[65 FR 60061, Oct. 6, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 51393, Aug. 20, 2010]