What characterizes a straight bill of lading?

A straight bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier that indicates the receipt of goods and stipulates the terms of their transportation. It is characterized primarily by its function of obligating the carrier to deliver the cargo to a specific consignee or person named in the document, without the ability to transfer ownership of the goods during transit.

This type of bill of lading is non-negotiable, meaning it cannot be transferred to another party for claiming the goods. It serves a clear purpose by providing proof of the contract of carriage and detailing the specifics of the shipment, such as the nature of the goods, their quantity, and their destination.

The correct characteristics underline how a straight bill of lading ties the delivery obligation to the specified consignee, ensuring that the carrier is legally bound to deliver the goods only to that designated individual or entity. This contrasts with other types of bills of lading, such as negotiable or order bills, where ownership can change hands.