What is a dock receipt and when is it used?

• A. A dock receipt acknowledges cargo received at the dock before the Bill of Lading is issued, used for port documentation and onward processing.
• B. It proves cargo has cleared customs at destination.
• C. It serves as a payment instrument for freight charges.
• D. It is a bill of lading issued after cargo is loaded.

Answer: (A)

A dock receipt is a document issued by the carrier or terminal operator to acknowledge that cargo has been received at the dock before the formal bill of lading is issued. It acts as a record of initial receipt and is used to start port documentation and onward processing—facilitating the preparation of the bill of lading and the movement of the cargo through the terminal. It is not evidence of customs clearance at destination, not a payment instrument, and not the bill of lading itself (the bill of lading is issued later and serves as the contract of carriage and title).