If A Freight Forwarder Issues A B/L, Is It Capable Of Transferring Title Of The Goods?

[gondem]

Dear Colleagues,

Regardless of the LC transaction;
If a freight forwarder issues a B/L, is it capable of transferring title of the goods?

The carrier is MSC and the containers have been organised and submitted to the vessel by our forwarder. We will sell the goods when they arrive to the port in importing country. I should transfer the B/L to the customer. Is it possible?

[picant]

Hi Pal,

a forwarder may act as agent of the carrier and signing the bill of lading in this way, goods may be transferred by endorsement if consigned to the order. If bill of lading signed by forwarder as forwarder only, if so required by l/c,
the bill of lading is a House Bill of lading, the true bill of lading(Master) is in the hands of the forwarder, so the consignee has to apply the forwarder(or representatives at port of discharge) to take up the goods. If the House Bill of lading is consigned to the order and duly endorsed will be honoured t destination.
Other comments appreciated
Ciao

[gondem]

Dear Picant,
Thanks for the answer. This is not a LC transaction. We buy the product from the manufacturer and bring it to the customer. We're going to sell it at the port and the customer is to clear the goods. I particulary asked the forwarder to issue a BL, because BLs are negotiable docs and allow us to transfer the title. But than i realized that this is a forwarder, not a carrier. That's why i'm worry that if i could transfer the title.

[picant]

Hi Gondem,

I think that b/l will works in the same way, being used in l/c or in other transactions. Your transaction happens at the port of discharge or at port of loading? Have you checked the clauses
on the front of FBL, over the signature, Is it the forwarder mamber of FIATA or similar organization?
Many forwarders have the permission to act as contractual carrier, having the same liability.s
It depends on the local law.
Let me know|
Ciao

[gondem]

Dear Picant,
It will happen at the port of discharge. The forwarder is credible and member of organizations like FIATA. In conclusion, we instructed forwarder to issue the B/L as 'to the order' of our company. When the containers arrive, i will stamp and sign the back of the B/L, and hand over to the customer. Hope this works!