Bill of Lading
A legal document issued by a carrier that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being shipped, serving as a receipt and contract.
A Bill of Lading (BOL or B/L) is one of the most important documents in the freight transportation industry. It serves three simultaneous legal functions: it acts as a receipt confirming that the carrier has received the described goods, a contract between the shipper and carrier outlining the terms of transportation, and a document of title that can be used to transfer ownership of the goods.
Every BOL must contain specific information: the shipper's and receiver's names and addresses, the date of shipment, the number of units being shipped, a description of the freight, the freight classification (which determines pricing), declared value, and any special handling instructions. The BOL also records the condition of the freight at pickup, which is critical for filing damage claims.
There are several types of BOLs used in trucking. A straight BOL is non-negotiable and consigns freight to a specific party. An order BOL is negotiable and can be transferred to another party, commonly used in international trade. A clean BOL indicates the freight was received in good condition with no damage noted.
Drivers should always carefully inspect freight and note any visible damage or discrepancies on the BOL before signing. Signing a clean BOL for damaged freight can make the carrier liable for pre-existing damage. Both shipper and carrier retain copies, and the BOL accompanies the freight throughout its journey. In disputes over lost, damaged, or delayed shipments, the BOL is the primary evidence document.