For Letter of Credit (L/C) purposes, what is the standard "shipment date" on a through intermodal bill of lading?

For Letter of Credit purposes, the standard "shipment date" on a through intermodal bill of lading typically refers to the bill of lading's issue date unless otherwise specified in the terms of the L/C. This is significant because the Letter of Credit stipulates the documentation required for payment, and the date of the bill of lading serves as a crucial reference point.

When a bill of lading is issued, it indicates that the carrier has received the goods for shipment and establishes the date that the transaction has taken place. This date can also impact payment terms and the timing of the shipment in relation to the L/C's conditions. Therefore, it's essential to closely align the bill of lading's issued date with the specifications set forth in the Letter of Credit to ensure compliance and facilitate smooth processing.

The other potential options do not align as closely with standard practices in international trade. For example, considering the date of shipment completion or on-board date could lead to discrepancies or confusion about when the obligation of payment is triggered under the L/C. Likewise, the date of delivery is not relevant in establishing the shipment date for these purposes, focusing instead on the point when the goods are handed over to the carrier as indicated by the bill of lading issue