Said to weigh in Bill of Lading – Some facts.

What is Said to weigh in Bill of Lading?

This is one of the common questions I have been receiving. Why Bill of Lading showing as ‘said to weigh’, what is the meaning of ‘said to weigh’, Why shipping line mentions “said to weigh” etc.

‘Said to weigh’ – a term you can see on Bill of Lading. What does the term ‘SAID TO WEIGH’ mean? Who says, ‘said to weigh’ – Obviously the issuer of Bill of Lading means carrier. If carrier of a marine goods mention in Bill of Lading as ‘said to weigh’ what does this clause mean?

As you know, Bill of lading is issued by carrier as the proof of receipt of goods as perdetails mentioned in export shipping legal document. Exporter packs the goods at his place; labels and marks weigh and then moves to customs station for export. Here, the carrier does not inspect the goods and weigh. Although, the actual weight of goods is unknown to the carrier, the weight is mentioned on the Bill of Lading which is issued by carrier. Such information is declared in the bill of lading on the basis of ‘let export order’ of shipping bill where in shipper declared the said information. However, if any claim arises due to wrong declaration of weight, the carrier cannot take responsibility, as he does not know the actual weight of the cargo. So the shipper is held responsible for any wrong declaration of weight.

What happens here, if carrier of goods mentions SAID TO WEIGH in Bill of Lading? 

If any Bill of Lading is mentioned SAID TO WEIGH, the carrier of goods who issues Bill of Lading does not have any responsibility on actual weight of cargo. By mentioning ‘said to weigh’ in Bill of Lading, the exporter /shipper is held responsible for any loss or damage on wrong declaration of weight in shipping documents or Bill of Lading.