Question

Explain the meaning of the mate's receipt.

Answer 1

A mate’s receipt is issued by the captain or commanding officer of a ship to an exporter. This receipt acts as evidence that the exporter’s cargo has been loaded on the ship. It contains information such as the name of the vessel, berth, date of shipment, condition of the cargo when it was loaded, description of the packages of the cargo, number of packages, and marks on the packages. Once the port dues are received, the port superintendent gives the mate’s receipt to the C&F agent concerned. It is only after the mate’s receipt has been obtained that the shipping company will issue the bill of lading.