Which document outlines the contract between a shipper and a carrier?

The bill of lading is the correct answer because it serves as a crucial legal document that outlines the contract between a shipper and a carrier. It includes essential details such as the type and quantity of goods being transported, the destination, and the terms of transportation. By signing the bill of lading, the carrier acknowledges receipt of the goods and agrees to transport them as stipulated. This document also serves as a receipt for the shipper, verifying that the goods were handed over to the carrier.

The freight agreement, while it may contain terms between a shipper and a carrier, is more general and does not function specifically as a receipt of goods or a contractual acceptance of those goods for transport as the bill of lading does. The shipping manifest, on the other hand, lists all the cargo carried on a particular shipment and is used primarily for reference rather than as a contract. Lastly, the delivery receipt documents the successful delivery of the goods but does not act as a contract prior to transportation; it confirms that the goods were received by the designated party upon arrival. Thus, the bill of lading is the most accurate answer in this context.