What type of bill of lading is marked "original"?

A bill of lading marked as "original" refers to a negotiable bill of lading. This type of bill of lading is issued in multiple copies, with the original being the primary document that can be endorsed and transferred to another party.

A negotiable bill of lading allows the holder to transfer ownership of the goods described in the document to another party simply by endorsing the document. This transferability is a key characteristic of negotiable bills of lading, as it facilitates the buying and selling of goods while they are in transit.

Other forms of bills of lading such as non-negotiable bills do not provide the same ability to transfer ownership in this manner; they typically specify a certain consignee who must receive the goods. The intransmissible bill of lading also does not allow for transfer of ownership and is issued only to a specified party. An intermodal bill of lading is relevant in the context of transportation modes but does not inherently specify whether it is negotiable or not.

Thus, the designation of "original" in this context confirms that the bill of lading can be negotiated and thereby facilitates easier trade and transfer in international shipping.