Definitions #
A temporary document signed by the first officer acknowledging that cargo was received in sound condition on board the vessel before a bill of lading is issued.
Technical A preliminary receipt issued by the mate or chief officer confirming quantity and apparent condition of loaded cargo; it is usually surrendered for issuance of the original B/L.
Example The shipper must present the signed mate's receipt to obtain the bills of lading from the carrier.
Etymology #
From mate, the chief officer, + receipt, from Old French receite, a recognition of receiving goods. Used in shipping practice since the era of sailing vessels.
Collocations #
- signed mate's receipt Formally confirmed by vessel's officer
- surrender of mate's receipt Exchange of receipt for original bill of lading
- foul mate's receipt Indicates damage or short quantity at load time
Real Business Examples #
- Since the cargo was loaded but shipper did not yet receive a bill of lading, the mate's receipt governed the shipment.
- The mate's receipt noted heavy packages with torn covers, prompting a letter of indemnity before the B/L was clean.
- Once the mate's receipt is exchanged, the carrier issues the original B/L.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: More commonly used in Asian and UK practice
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: chief officer's receipt, shipped receipt
Common Errors #
- Thinking mate's receipt is title to goods It is a receipt, not a negotiable title; only the bill of lading confers title and right of delivery.
- Holding mate's receipt instead of returning it for B/L Carriers normally require surrender of the mate's receipt before issuing a clean B/L.
Confusable Terms #
- Bill of lading vs Mate's Receipt
- M/R is temporary; B/L is main document of carriage and title.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a mate's receipt used??
When a ship loads cargo and issues a receipt before the final B/L ready, often for liner or charter cargo.
Can a mate's receipt be used for payment under L/C??
No, letters of credit almost always require the bill of lading, not a mate's receipt.
Published: 2026-09-26 Category: Shipping