There are a lot of issues to consider when you’re planning a shipment. One of those is the necessary documentation for your freight. Every freight shipment must have a bill of lading (BOL) attached to it. If you have any concerns about whether you need a BOL or whether your existing BOL is properly prepared, you can contact the shipping company for guidance.
Definition of a Bill of Lading
A bill of lading is a legally binding document. It includes all the necessary information that the shipping carrier and truck driver need to handle and process the freight shipment. It also allows the carrier to prepare a correct invoice for the shipment. Essentially, the BOL tells the carrier and driver what you’re shipping, where the freight is coming from, and where the freight is going. All shippers must provide a completed and accurate BOL to the carrier whenever a shipment is picked up for transport.
Purposes of the Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is a unique legal document in that it acts like multiple documents. It functions as a contract between the shipper and the freight carrier. It’s also a title document that proves ownership of the goods being shipped. And lastly, the BOL acts as a receipt of the freight services. It proves that the carrier received the shipment in good condition. In the event the shipment is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the shipper should have their own signed copy of the BOL for proof of ownership and losses.
Necessary Elements of the Bill of Lading
There are quite a few categories of information that should be included on every bill of lading. They include the following:
- Names and addresses of the shipper and receiver(s)
- Purchase orders or special reference numbers
- Special instructions (such as the use of a lift gate)
- Pickup date
- Packaging type
- NMFC freight class
- Hazardous material designation
Xcel Delivery Services is a trusted leader in logistics. Our team provides a full menu of delivery services, including expedited freight, last mile delivery, and less than truckload (LTL) shipping. To discuss your shipping needs, you can call our office in Tucson at (520) 355-4897.
