Which sector of the transportation industry uses 'Through' bills of lading?

• A. Intermodal shipments of marine containers
• B. Bulk ocean shipments
• C. Air freight shipments
• D. Railcar shipments only

Answer: (A)

Through bills of lading are used when cargo moves across more than one transport mode under a single document. In intermodal shipments of marine containers, a container is carried by sea and then moved inland by rail or truck to the final destination, all under one through B/L. This streamlines liability, paperwork, and transfer of custody across modes, making it the typical use case for through bills of lading.

Bulk ocean shipments usually cover just a single sea voyage with a standard ocean bill. Air shipments rely on air waybills, not through B/Ls. Railcar shipments use rail documents and generally don’t pair a sea leg with inland transportation. Hence, the intermodal marine container scenario best fits the concept.