Glossary · FMCSA & freight
Bill of lading (BOL)
Also called: BOL, B/L
Definition
A bill of lading (BOL) is the shipping document a carrier issues when it receives freight, recording the shipper, consignee, origin, destination and a description of what was loaded.
Federal rules require for-hire motor carriers to issue a receipt or bill of lading listing the consignor and consignee, origin and destination, number of packages, a description of the freight, and weight or volume where it affects the rate (49 CFR 373.101). The delivery copy, signed by the receiver, usually becomes the proof of delivery.
For a factor, the BOL ties the invoice to a physical shipment and to a specific carrier. Check that the carrier name and USDOT or MC on it match your client, that the pickup date and piece count agree with the rate confirmation, and that the shipper signed it.
See fake rate confirmations, BOLs and PODs for how factors catch altered documents.