Can a straight bill of lading become negotiable after it has been issued?

A straight bill of lading is typically considered a non-negotiable document of title while a negotiable bill of lading allows the transfer of ownership rights through endorsement and delivery. When the consignee adds a restrictive endorsement to a straight bill of lading, it transforms the document into a negotiable instrument. This means that the consignee can then transfer their rights to another party through the endorsement. This indicates that the consignee has the authority to effectively assign the ownership of the goods specified, making it possible for the straight bill of lading to operate in a manner similar to a negotiable bill of lading.

The idea is that through this endorsement, the consignee grants certain rights to another party, permitting the normal trade of goods and securities to be enacted. Thus, if a straight bill of lading has a restrictive endorsement added by the consignee, it can indeed take on negotiable characteristics.