What is a bill of lading?

A bill of lading (BOL) is three things at once: a receipt proving the carrier picked up the goods, the contract of carriage setting the terms, and — in its negotiable form — a document of title to the freight itself. It travels with the shipment and is signed at pickup and delivery; discrepancies noted on it are the basis for any claim.

A complete BOL lists shipper and consignee, piece and pallet counts, weight, freight class and NMFC code, declared value, hazmat details where applicable, and special instructions. Accuracy matters commercially: understated weight or the wrong class triggers reweigh and reclass fees, and unnoted damage at delivery is nearly impossible to claim afterward.