A Bill of Lading is a legally binding document issued by a carrier to confirm the receipt of goods for shipment. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier and ensures the proper transportation of cargo. Complete your Bill of Lading accurately to facilitate smooth freight transactions — download the template to your device today!
A bill of lading is a shipping receipt and a legal document acknowledging the transfer of goods from the exporter to the carrier and, ultimately, to the recipient.
A bill of lading form is required in various shipping scenarios, ensuring a smooth transfer of goods between multiple parties. Some situations include:
Domestic and International Shipping. Whether shipping within the same country or overseas, a BOL documents the transport process.
Freight Shipments. Trucking companies and freight carriers issue a generic bill of lading when transporting products via road, rail, or air.
Container Shipments. A bill of lading sample in maritime shipping helps regulate cargo transport, specifying container details.
Warehouse Transfers. Businesses often use a blank bill of lading to document inventory movements between locations.
A bill of lading example for a retail business might be a furniture company shipping sofas to a distributor. The document ensures proper tracking and receipt of goods in undamaged condition.
Several key parties participate in the BOL process to ensure a reliable transfer of goods:
Shipper (Consignor). The individual or business shipping the goods.
Carrier. The shipping or logistics company responsible for delivering merchandise.
Consignee. The buyer or receiver who accepts the goods at the final destination.
Freight Forwarder (if applicable). A third-party logistics provider that arranges international transportation.
Customs Authorities (for international shipments). Review the bill of lading form PDF for regulatory compliance.
A typical scenario is an online furniture business shipping wholesale orders. Generic bill of lading will document the shipment and specify the consignee's delivery address.