In maritime shipping documentation, MBL (Master Bill of Lading) and HBL (House Bill of Lading) represent two tiers of transport contracts. The Master Bill of Lading is issued directly by the ocean carrier or shipping line to the freight forwarder, covering the entire vessel container load, whereas the House Bill of Lading is issued by the freight forwarder to individual shippers or consignees sharing space within that container, detailing specific sub-shipments and beneficial ownership.