What is the least restrictive way to endorse a bill of lading?

A blank endorsement is the least restrictive way to endorse a bill of lading because it does not place any limitations on the transfer of the document. When a bill of lading is endorsed in blank, it simply requires the signature of the endorser without specifying the name of the party to whom it is being transferred. This allows the holder of the bill of lading to freely transfer ownership to any subsequent party by simply delivering the document, making it highly flexible and advantageous in commerce.

In contrast, restricted endorsement limits the transferability of the bill of lading to specific parties or conditions, thus imposing restrictions on its use. Conditional endorsements also add specific requirements that must be met before ownership or rights can be transferred. Partial endorsements allow only a portion of the rights associated with the bill of lading to be transferred, further adding constraints. These types of endorsements create limitations that do not exist with a blank endorsement, highlighting why the blank endorsement is regarded as the least restrictive option.