Bill of Lading (BOL)
Also known as: BOL, B/L, Lading
Definition
The bill of lading is the most important document in freight shipping. It serves as a receipt that the carrier accepted the goods, a contract for transportation, and in some cases, a document of title.
BOL Functions
| Function | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Receipt | Proof carrier received goods |
| Contract | Terms of transportation |
| Title document | Ownership transfer (negotiable) |
Key BOL Information
- Shipper and consignee details
- Origin and destination addresses
- Description of goods
- Weight and quantity
- Freight class
- Special instructions
- PRO/tracking number
Types of Bills of Lading
Straight BOL: Non-negotiable, named consignee Order BOL: Negotiable, title transferable Clean BOL: No damage noted at pickup Claused BOL: Damage or discrepancy noted Master BOL: Covers consolidated shipments House BOL: Individual shipment within consolidation
BOL Best Practices
- Verify accuracy before signing
- Note any damage at pickup
- Keep copies for records
- Match weight to scale tickets
- Include special handling instructions
Common BOL Mistakes
- Wrong freight class (affects cost)
- Inaccurate weight
- Missing accessorial requests
- Wrong addresses
- No reference numbers
Electronic BOL (eBOL)
- Digital documentation
- Faster processing
- Reduces errors
- Environmental benefit
- Growing carrier adoption
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