lading

Lading, n.

1. The act of loading.

2. That which lades or constitutes a load or cargo; freight; burden; as, the lading of a ship. Bill of lading. See under Bill.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for lading; he lists it under load.

Where he writes about it:

A ship's load is called distinctively a cargo, or it may be known as freight or lading. — from load

none given