Freight Bill
Also known as: Freight Invoice, Carrier Invoice, Transportation Invoice
Definition
A freight bill is the invoice a carrier sends to the shipper or consignee for transportation services. It details all charges associated with moving a shipment, including base transportation costs, fuel surcharges, and any additional accessorial services.
Freight Bill vs. Bill of Lading
| Document | Purpose | When Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of Lading | Contract, receipt, title | At shipment pickup |
| Freight Bill | Invoice for payment | After delivery |
The bill of lading describes the shipment; the freight bill charges for moving it.
Freight Bill Components
Basic Information
- Carrier name and contact
- Shipper and consignee details
- Bill of lading number
- Shipment date and delivery date
- Payment terms
Charges Breakdown
| Charge Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Line haul | Base transportation rate |
| Fuel surcharge | Fluctuating fuel cost adjustment |
| Accessorials | Extra services (lift gate, etc.) |
| Detention | Waiting time charges |
| Reweigh/reclass | Adjustments for actual weight/class |
| Customs/duties | International shipment fees |
Sample Freight Bill
════════════════════════════════════════════
FREIGHT BILL
Carrier: ABC Trucking Co.
Invoice #: FB-2026-12345
Invoice Date: February 4, 2026
Payment Due: March 6, 2026 (30 days)
────────────────────────────────────────────
Reference:
BOL #: 987654
PO #: 456789
PRO #: 123456789
Shipper: Widget Manufacturing
Origin: Chicago, IL
Consignee: Retail Distribution Inc.
Destination: Dallas, TX
────────────────────────────────────────────
SHIPMENT DETAILS
Weight: 4,500 lbs
Class: 85
Pieces: 4 pallets
CHARGES
Line Haul (Class 85, 4,500 lbs) $425.00
Fuel Surcharge (28.5%) $121.13
Lift Gate Delivery $75.00
Inside Delivery $95.00
Delivery Appointment $25.00
─────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL DUE $741.13
════════════════════════════════════════════
Common Freight Bill Charges
Base Transportation
- Distance-based
- Weight-based
- Freight class-based
- Combination of factors
Fuel Surcharge
- Percentage of line haul
- Fluctuates with diesel prices
- Updated weekly/monthly
- Currently often 25-35%
Accessorial Charges
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Lift gate | $50-$100 |
| Inside delivery | $75-$150 |
| Residential delivery | $50-$100 |
| Limited access | $50-$100 |
| Delivery appointment | $20-$50 |
| Detention | $50-$75/hour |
| Redelivery | $75-$150 |
| Sort and segregate | $25-$50 |
Freight Bill Audit
Why Audit?
- Billing errors are common (5-15% of invoices)
- Overcharges happen frequently
- Duplicate charges occur
- Wrong rates applied
What to Check
- Correct weight and class
- Right rates applied (contract vs. tariff)
- Accessorials actually provided
- No duplicate charges
- Fuel surcharge calculated correctly
- Addresses match
Common Errors
- Reweighs without notification
- Reclassification to higher class
- Accessorials not requested
- Wrong contract rates
- Duplicate invoices
Freight Bill Payment Terms
Standard Terms
- Net 30 days (most common)
- Net 15 days
- Net 45 days
Payment Options
- Check
- ACH transfer
- Credit card (may have fee)
- Factoring
Late Payment
- Interest charges
- Collection actions
- Credit holds on future shipments
- Carrier relationship impact
Managing Freight Bills
Organization
- Match to BOL and PO
- Log receipt date
- Track payment deadlines
- Archive for records
Disputes
- Document discrepancy
- Contact carrier billing
- Provide supporting documents
- Request correction or credit
- Follow up on resolution
Automation
- TMS integration
- EDI invoice receipt (210)
- Automated audit software
- Payment automation
Freight Bill Retention
Requirements
- IRS: 3-7 years
- DOT: 3 years minimum
- Best practice: 7 years
What to Keep
- Original invoice
- Supporting BOL
- Delivery receipt
- Dispute documentation
- Payment records
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