A bill of lading (BOL) is the document that travels with a freight shipment. It is the receipt for the goods, the contract between the shipper and the carrier, and the instructions for delivery. The driver signs it at pickup and the receiver signs it at delivery.
What a BOL includes
- Shipper and consignee names, addresses and contacts
- Who is paying the freight charges and the billing terms
- Piece count, packaging type, weight and dimensions
- Freight description, freight class and NMFC item for LTL
- Special services such as liftgate, appointment or hazardous materials
- Reference numbers such as PO, order and quote numbers
Why accuracy matters
The carrier bills from the BOL. If the weight, class or services are wrong, the invoice changes. If the piece count or condition is not noted correctly at delivery, a damage or shortage claim becomes hard to win. Have the receiver write any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt before signing.
Use the right BOL
When freight is booked through a broker or 3PL, use the BOL that provider issues. It carries the correct bill-to and quote number, so the shipment is billed at the rate you were quoted.
Common questions
Who creates the bill of lading?
The shipper or the freight provider that booked the shipment. When you book online, the BOL is usually generated for you to print.
Is a bill of lading the same as an invoice?
No. The BOL documents the shipment and its terms. The freight invoice is the bill for the transportation, issued after pickup or delivery.
Written by the MeritSpan Logistics team. Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Figures are typical values; equipment and carrier rules vary.