CFR > Title 41 - Public Contracts and Property Management > SUBTITLE C—Federal Property Management Regulations System > CHAPTER 102—FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION (parts 102 to 102-197) > SUBCHAPTER D—TRANSPORTATION (parts 102-116 to 102-119) > PART 102-117—TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT > SUBPART B—Acquiring Transportation or Related Services (§102-117.30 to §102-117.95) > 102-117.85—What is the difference between a Government bill of lading (GBL) and a bill of lading?

102-117.85—What is the difference between a Government bill of lading (GBL) and a bill of lading?

(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”).

Code of Federal Regulations

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