Bill of Lading (BOL)

The legal document that serves as a contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and title to the freight.

A bill of lading (BOL) is issued by the shipper and signed by the carrier and consignee. It identifies the freight, origin, destination, parties, freight class, and any special instructions. The signed BOL is required to invoice the broker and is the primary defense in claims disputes.

Example

A BOL for 22 pallets of canned goods, NMFC class 70, signed by the warehouse foreman at 14:32, becomes the proof of delivery used to bill the broker.