Bill of lading (BOL)
Also called B/L
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is bill of lading (BOL)?
A bill of lading (BOL) is the document a carrier issues at pickup that serves as the receipt for the goods and the contract for carrying them. It lists the shipper, the consignee (receiver), the number of pieces and pallets, the weight, and for LTL freight the freight class.
How it works
The driver signs the BOL at pickup and the receiver signs at delivery; damage or shortages noted on it at delivery are the basis of a freight claim. A domestic straight bill of lading can’t be transferred, while an order bill of lading, used more in international trade, also acts as a document of title.
Bill of lading (BOL) example
The driver signs for 4 pallets on the BOL at the distributor’s dock. At delivery, the receiver writes “1 pallet crushed” on it before signing, which lets the distributor file a claim with the carrier.
Related terms
- Less-than-truckload (LTL)Less-than-truckload (LTL) is a freight service for shipments too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill a truck, typically one to several pallets.
- Proof of delivery (POD)Proof of delivery (POD) is the record that a shipment reached the customer, such as a signature, photo or timestamp captured by the driver or carrier.
- Packing slipA packing slip is the document packed with a shipment that lists the items and quantities inside, so the receiver can check the delivery against the order.
- Free on board (FOB)Free on board (FOB) is a shipping term that names the point where responsibility for the goods passes from seller to buyer.
