Final Answer:
a) Shipper: Until the bill of lading is negotiated, the shipper is entitled to receive the goods.
b) Carrier: The carrier is not entitled to receive the goods; their role is in safe transportation.
c) Consignee: The consignee, specified in the bill of lading, is entitled to receive the goods.
d) Insurer: The insurer is not entitled to receive the goods unless explicitly stated in the contract.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a bill of lading acting as a contract of carriage, it delineates the rights of various parties involved in the shipping process. The shipper, who initiates the shipment, retains the entitlement to the goods until the bill of lading is transferred or negotiated to another party, typically through an endorsement. This is crucial for understanding the chain of custody during transportation.
The carrier, responsible for physically transporting the goods, does not have an inherent entitlement to receive them. Their role is to ensure the safe and timely delivery of the goods to the consignee. The consignee, specified in the bill of lading, holds the right to receive the goods upon arrival at the destination port or location. The bill of lading serves as a key document in facilitating the transfer of ownership and entitlement from the shipper to the consignee.
As for the insurer, their role is limited to providing coverage for potential risks and damages during transit. While they play a crucial role in safeguarding the financial interests of the involved parties, the bill of lading itself does not confer the right to receive the goods upon the insurer. The entitlement is explicitly defined by the roles and responsibilities outlined in the contract of carriage.