The good news? Most documentation mistakes can be prevented with accurate shipment information and a careful review before pickup. This guide explains what a BOL means in shipping, how to complete one, and which other freight records your business should understand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does BOL stand for?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBOL stands for bill of lading, a shipping document that records important details about freight and its transportation. It identifies the shipper, carrier, recipient, and goods being transported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In LTL shipping<\/a>, the BOL tells the carrier what it’s picking up and where the freight needs to go. It also provides a record that shippers and carriers can reference when questions arise about charges, delivery, or shipment details. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA bill of lading traditionally serves three functions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Receipt for goods<\/strong>: Records the carrier’s receipt of the freight, subject to any exceptions noted at pickup.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Evidence of a transportation contract:<\/strong> Records shipment information and terms associated with the transportation agreement.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Document of title, when applicable:<\/strong> Certain negotiable BOLs can transfer rights to goods. Standard nonnegotiable LTL bills of lading don’t serve this same function.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why is a bill of lading important in LTL shipping?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\nUnlike most parcel shipments, LTL freight often passes through several terminals<\/a> before reaching its destination. Pallets may be transferred between trailers and transported alongside shipments from other businesses. Accurate paperwork helps carriers identify and move your freight through that network. It also gives your business a record of what was tendered to the carrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA properly completed shipping BOL can help you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Support smoother pickups.<\/strong> Clear shipment details help carriers identify freight and confirm transportation requirements.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Maintain accurate shipment records.<\/strong> Weight, commodity descriptions, and classification information provide a reference for billing and other reviews.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Communicate special requirements.<\/strong> Delivery instructions help carriers plan for services such as liftgate delivery.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Investigate shipping problems.<\/strong> The BOL provides important details when reviewing discrepancies or preparing a freight claim.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that a BOL isn’t proof that the carrier has verified every detail. You’re responsible for providing accurate shipment information, and the carrier may record exceptions when accepting the freight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What information goes on an LTL bill of lading?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\nA typical freight BOL includes shipment details, freight classification, billing instructions, and other information the carrier needs. Here’s what to include and what to double-check before pickup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shipper and consignee information<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe BOL identifies the shipper and consignee, or the person or business receiving the freight. Include complete names, addresses, and contact information. Double-check delivery locations, especially when shipping to large warehouses, construction sites, or facilities with multiple entrances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freight description, quantity, and weight<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDescribe what you’re shipping and how it’s packaged. Include the number of pallets, crates, or other handling units, along with the shipment’s weight. Be specific. A description such as “steel machine components” is more useful than simply writing “parts.” Make sure the weight reflects the prepared shipment, including pallets and packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freight class and NMFC information<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany LTL shipments require a freight class<\/a> and National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) item number. The NMFC identifies commodities and establishes rules for assigning freight classes. The correct class depends on the requirements for the specific commodity. Some commodities use density-based classifications, while others follow different provisions. Confirm the correct NMFC item and applicable rules rather than assuming density alone determines the class. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial services and handling instructions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDoes your shipment need a liftgate? Is the delivery location a construction site? Does the recipient require an appointment? Communicate these needs when booking and include applicable instructions on the BOL. Some services carry additional charges<\/a>, so identifying them upfront helps you understand what the shipment may require. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFreight payment terms and billing instructions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nA BOL may also identify who should be billed for transportation charges. These instructions help the carrier direct the freight invoice to the appropriate party. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three common billing arrangements include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bill of lading traditionally serves three functions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Receipt for goods<\/strong>: Records the carrier’s receipt of the freight, subject to any exceptions noted at pickup.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Evidence of a transportation contract:<\/strong> Records shipment information and terms associated with the transportation agreement.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Document of title, when applicable:<\/strong> Certain negotiable BOLs can transfer rights to goods. Standard nonnegotiable LTL bills of lading don’t serve this same function.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why is a bill of lading important in LTL shipping?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unlike most parcel shipments, LTL freight often passes through several terminals<\/a> before reaching its destination. Pallets may be transferred between trailers and transported alongside shipments from other businesses. Accurate paperwork helps carriers identify and move your freight through that network. It also gives your business a record of what was tendered to the carrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A properly completed shipping BOL can help you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Support smoother pickups.<\/strong> Clear shipment details help carriers identify freight and confirm transportation requirements.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Maintain accurate shipment records.<\/strong> Weight, commodity descriptions, and classification information provide a reference for billing and other reviews.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Communicate special requirements.<\/strong> Delivery instructions help carriers plan for services such as liftgate delivery.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Investigate shipping problems.<\/strong> The BOL provides important details when reviewing discrepancies or preparing a freight claim.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that a BOL isn’t proof that the carrier has verified every detail. You’re responsible for providing accurate shipment information, and the carrier may record exceptions when accepting the freight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What information goes on an LTL bill of lading?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A typical freight BOL includes shipment details, freight classification, billing instructions, and other information the carrier needs. Here’s what to include and what to double-check before pickup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shipper and consignee information<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The BOL identifies the shipper and consignee, or the person or business receiving the freight. Include complete names, addresses, and contact information. Double-check delivery locations, especially when shipping to large warehouses, construction sites, or facilities with multiple entrances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freight description, quantity, and weight<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Describe what you’re shipping and how it’s packaged. Include the number of pallets, crates, or other handling units, along with the shipment’s weight. Be specific. A description such as “steel machine components” is more useful than simply writing “parts.” Make sure the weight reflects the prepared shipment, including pallets and packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freight class and NMFC information<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many LTL shipments require a freight class<\/a> and National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) item number. The NMFC identifies commodities and establishes rules for assigning freight classes. The correct class depends on the requirements for the specific commodity. Some commodities use density-based classifications, while others follow different provisions. Confirm the correct NMFC item and applicable rules rather than assuming density alone determines the class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special services and handling instructions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does your shipment need a liftgate? Is the delivery location a construction site? Does the recipient require an appointment? Communicate these needs when booking and include applicable instructions on the BOL. Some services carry additional charges<\/a>, so identifying them upfront helps you understand what the shipment may require. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freight payment terms and billing instructions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A BOL may also identify who should be billed for transportation charges. These instructions help the carrier direct the freight invoice to the appropriate party. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three common billing arrangements include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Investigate shipping problems.<\/strong> The BOL provides important details when reviewing discrepancies or preparing a freight claim.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Communicate special requirements.<\/strong> Delivery instructions help carriers plan for services such as liftgate delivery.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain accurate shipment records.<\/strong> Weight, commodity descriptions, and classification information provide a reference for billing and other reviews.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Support smoother pickups.<\/strong> Clear shipment details help carriers identify freight and confirm transportation requirements.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Document of title, when applicable:<\/strong> Certain negotiable BOLs can transfer rights to goods. Standard nonnegotiable LTL bills of lading don’t serve this same function.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Evidence of a transportation contract:<\/strong> Records shipment information and terms associated with the transportation agreement.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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