Import and export documents are essential for the timely transportation of goods, as they facilitate legal compliance, customs clearance, and efficient logistics. Key stakeholders include exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities who rely on these documents for the smooth movement of goods across borders. A bill of lading is a specific type of document that serves as a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title during shipping.

1. Write a 1/2 page essay that explains why import and export documents are critical in order to
transport goods in a timely fashion. Who are some of the stakeholders that use these documents?
What is a bill of lading specifically?