The digitization of documentation, starting with the bill of lading, is key to simplifying and digitizing global trade. The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), a non-profit group founded by the world’s leading global liners, has published data and process standards for the submission of shipping instructions and issuance of the bill of lading (B/L). DCSA B/L standards are aligned with the UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) multimodal transport reference data model to ensure a global industry framework that accelerates digitalisation through a unified industry effort.
