This paper proposes a framework for analyzing the slow adoption of electronic bills of lading (eBL), grounded in two core arguments. First, eBL adoption is a collective business decision that depends on the coordinated participation of all market players; progress is hindered if even one key actor opts out. Second, in the absence of a global authority to govern the process, efforts from major shipping companies are crucial to initiate momentum. However, broader uptake―particularly by shippers―will only occur when eBL becomes a more cost-effective alternative to paper BL.