Trucking Bill of Lading (BOL)
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the foundational document in domestic trucking. It serves simultaneously as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and — in its negotiable form — a document of title that governs ownership of freight in transit. Every shipment that moves by truck in the United States, whether a single pallet via LTL or a full 53-foot trailer, begins and ends with a BOL.
Understanding how to read, complete, and manage Bills of Lading is essential for shippers, carriers, consignees, and freight brokers alike. Errors on a BOL can lead to billing disputes, delayed deliveries, denied freight claims, and regulatory penalties.
Legal Foundation
In the United States, the trucking Bill of Lading is governed by 49 CFR Part 1035, which prescribes the form and content for both straight and order bills used by common carriers. The Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706) establishes carrier liability for loss or damage to goods described on the BOL, making the document critical for freight claims.
The BOL is not the contract of carriage itself — it is evidence of the contract. The actual agreement forms when the carrier accepts the shipment. However, the BOL's terms and conditions govern the legal relationship between all parties, including third-party consignees.
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 7 further governs negotiable and non-negotiable documents of title at the state level, providing the legal framework for transferring ownership of goods through endorsement of an order BOL.
How the BOL Works
The shipper creates the BOL before pickup. At origin, the carrier driver inspects the freight, verifies the description, and signs to acknowledge receipt. At destination, the consignee inspects the delivery and signs to confirm receipt. This signed document then becomes the Proof of Delivery (POD), which the carrier uses to invoice and the shipper uses to verify successful delivery.
Types of Bills of Lading
Straight Bill of Lading (Non-Negotiable)
The Straight Bill of Lading is the most common type used in domestic trucking. It is non-negotiable, meaning the goods are consigned directly to a named party and cannot be redirected through endorsement. The consignee listed on the document is the only party authorized to receive the freight.
Straight BOLs are used when:
- Payment has already been arranged between buyer and seller
- There is no need to transfer ownership during transit
- The shipment moves on credit terms or prepaid freight
The vast majority of domestic LTL and FTL shipments use a Straight Bill of Lading. Unless your transaction involves trade finance or ownership transfers during transit, a Straight BOL is the correct choice.
Order Bill of Lading (Negotiable)
An Order Bill of Lading is a negotiable document of title. Instead of naming a specific consignee, it is issued "to the order of" a party (typically the shipper or a bank). Title to the goods can be transferred by endorsing and delivering the original document.
Order BOLs are primarily used when:
- Payment is secured through a Letter of Credit (L/C)
- Goods may be sold or traded while in transit
- The seller wants to retain control of the goods until payment is confirmed
An Order BOL must be clearly marked "NEGOTIABLE" on its face per 49 CFR § 1035.1. Carriers must not release freight without surrender of the original endorsed document. Releasing goods without the original exposes the carrier to liability.
VICS Bill of Lading
The Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) BOL is a standardized format developed by the retail and consumer goods industry through the GS1 US organization. It features a fixed layout with barcoded fields that facilitate electronic data interchange (EDI) and automated processing.
Key features of the VICS BOL:
- Standardized barcode zones for carrier PRO number, BOL number, and PO numbers
- EDI-compatible structure aligned with ANSI X12 Transaction Set 211
- Pallet and carton count fields formatted for retail distribution
- Widely adopted by major retailers (Walmart, Target, Home Depot) as a required shipping document
Uniform Bill of Lading
The Uniform Straight Bill of Lading and Uniform Order Bill of Lading are the federally prescribed formats under 49 CFR Part 1035 Appendices A and B. These forms contain standardized terms and conditions that comply with federal requirements for common carriers. Most commercial BOL templates are derived from or equivalent to the Uniform BOL.
Key Fields on a Bill of Lading
Every BOL contains a core set of data fields. Accuracy in these fields is critical — errors can cause misrouting, billing disputes, and claim denials.
BOL Field Structure
Critical Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Shipper name & address | The party tendering the freight | Identifies origin; used for billing if prepaid |
| Consignee name & address | The party receiving the freight | Determines delivery destination |
| Ship date | Date freight is tendered to carrier | Triggers transit time calculation |
| BOL number | Shipper's unique document identifier | Primary reference for tracking and disputes |
| PRO number | Carrier's Progressive Rotating Order number | Carrier's tracking number; assigned at pickup |
| PO number | Buyer's Purchase Order reference | Links shipment to purchase transaction |
| Commodity description | What is being shipped | Must match NMFC description for LTL classification |
| Weight | Total shipment weight (lbs) | Determines freight charges; subject to carrier reweigh |
| Freight class | NMFC classification (50–500) | Drives LTL pricing; see Freight Classes |
| Piece count | Number of handling units (pallets, cartons) | Used for shortage verification at delivery |
| Special instructions | Delivery appointments, liftgate, inside delivery | Triggers accessorial charges |
| Declared value | Shipper's stated cargo value | Sets carrier liability ceiling under Carmack Amendment |
| Prepaid / Collect | Who pays the freight charges | "Prepaid" = shipper pays; "Collect" = consignee pays |
Incorrect freight class is the single most common BOL error in LTL shipping. If the carrier reweighs or reclassifies the shipment, the shipper receives an adjusted invoice — often significantly higher. Always verify NMFC codes before shipping. See Freight Classes for classification guidance.
Shipper and Carrier Responsibilities
Shipper Responsibilities
- Accurate description: Provide truthful commodity descriptions, weights, and piece counts
- Proper classification: Assign the correct NMFC freight class
- Packaging: Ensure freight is adequately packaged for LTL handling (multiple touches, forklift, conveyor)
- Hazmat declaration: Identify hazardous materials with proper shipping name, UN number, hazard class, and emergency contact per 49 CFR Part 172
- Timely tender: Have freight ready at the scheduled pickup time
Carrier Responsibilities
- Inspection at pickup: Verify piece count and note any visible damage or discrepancy on the BOL
- Safe transport: Maintain cargo care consistent with the commodity type
- Timely delivery: Meet service standards for the selected transit mode
- Proof of Delivery: Obtain consignee signature and return signed POD to shipper
- Liability under Carmack: Accept liability for loss or damage occurring during carrier possession, unless caused by act of God, public enemy, shipper negligence, public authority action, or inherent vice of the goods
BOL as Proof of Delivery
When the consignee signs the BOL at delivery, it becomes the Proof of Delivery (POD). This signed document is the primary evidence in any subsequent freight claim.
POD Workflow — Complete Document Lifecycle
Always note exceptions before signing. If freight arrives damaged, short, or with broken packaging, write the specific exception on the BOL before signing. A "clean" signature (no exceptions noted) creates a presumption that goods arrived in good condition, making subsequent damage claims extremely difficult to win.
Common BOL Discrepancies and Their Consequences
| Discrepancy | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong freight class | Carrier reclassification and adjusted (higher) invoice | Verify NMFC code before shipping |
| Weight mismatch | Carrier reweigh charge + adjusted freight bill | Use calibrated scale; weigh before pickup |
| Missing piece count | Shortage claims become difficult to prove | Count and verify handling units at pickup |
| No exception noted at delivery | Damage claim denied ("clean POD") | Inspect before signing; note all damage |
| Wrong consignee address | Misdelivery, redelivery charges, delays | Verify address against PO before creating BOL |
| Missing hazmat info | FMCSA fines ($500–$50,000+ per violation), shipment refusal | Complete hazmat fields per 49 CFR 172 |
Electronic BOL (eBOL)
The industry is gradually transitioning from paper to electronic Bills of Lading (eBOL). The FMCSA has authorized the use of electronic documents provided they meet the same legal requirements as paper BOLs. Key benefits include:
- Faster processing: No waiting for paper POD return
- Reduced errors: Pre-populated fields from TMS data
- Real-time visibility: Instant POD confirmation
- Environmental impact: Eliminates millions of paper documents annually
Major LTL carriers (FedEx Freight, XPO, Estes, Old Dominion) now accept or encourage eBOL submissions through EDI (Transaction Set 211) or API integrations.
Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| 49 CFR Part 1035 — Bills of Lading | Federal regulation prescribing uniform BOL forms |
| FMCSA Carrier Safety Regulations | Motor carrier safety and compliance requirements |
| NMFTA — National Motor Freight Traffic Association | NMFC freight classification authority |
| GS1 US — VICS BOL Standard | VICS BOL format and EDI standards for retail supply chains |
| Carmack Amendment — 49 U.S.C. § 14706 | Federal statute governing carrier liability for freight loss/damage |