Which of the following must a bill of lading include?

• A. Only the consignee's name and the shipment's weight.
• B. The vessel's name, captain's name, port of loading, and the shipper's name.
• C. Only the total number of packages being shipped.
• D. The cargo's final destination and insurance details.

Answer: (B)

A bill of lading is a crucial document in maritime commerce, functioning as a receipt for goods shipped, a contract of carriage, and evidence of title to the goods. It serves multiple purposes, and therefore, the information it contains is quite comprehensive.

The correct answer includes key pieces of information: the vessel's name, the captain's name, the port of loading, and the shipper's name. These elements are essential for the identification of the transport process and the parties involved. The vessel's name and captain's name provide clear identification of the means of transport and its authority. The port of loading is significant because it indicates where the cargo was loaded onto the ship and can impact jurisdiction and liability. The shipper's name establishes the party that is responsible for the goods being shipped, which is critical for legal and transaction accountability.

The other choices lack vital components typically included in a bill of lading. For example, merely stating the consignee's name and shipment weight does not encompass the broader requirements stipulated for such documents. Similarly, the total number of packages alone does not provide sufficient detail about the shipping process. As for insurance details, while they are important in shipping, they are not strictly required in the basic contents of a bill of l