---
title: "Proof of delivery (POD)"
url: https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/proof-of-delivery
description: "A proof of delivery (POD) is the signed document, usually the delivery copy of the bill of lading, showing the consignee received the freight, when, and in what condition."
---

# Proof of delivery (POD)

**Definition:** A proof of delivery (POD) is the signed document, usually the delivery copy of the bill of lading, showing the consignee received the freight, when, and in what condition.

Also called: POD, Delivery receipt, Signed BOL. Category: FMCSA & freight.

The receiver signs and dates the POD, often with a stamp, and notes any exceptions: overages, shortages or damage. Electronic PODs from driver apps are increasingly common, with timestamps and sometimes location data.

For a factor, the signed POD is what turns a load into an invoice you can buy with confidence. Exceptions noted on it usually become short pays or claims, so read them before you fund and reflect the risk of disputes in how you treat that debtor.

> **Red flag: Red flags** A receiver signature that looks like the driver's handwriting. No receiver stamp where that receiver always uses one. A delivery date earlier than the pickup date. Piece counts that differ from the BOL. The same POD image attached to two invoices.

Compare the POD with the [bill of lading](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/bill-of-lading) and the [rate confirmation](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/rate-confirmation), and confirm delivery on the [verification call](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/verification-call). The [document fraud guide](https://carrierkyc.com/guides/fake-rate-confirmations-bols-pods) shows how factors catch altered PODs.

## Related

- [Bill of lading (BOL)](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/bill-of-lading)
- [Rate confirmation](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/rate-confirmation)
- [Verification call](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/verification-call)
- [Fake rate confirmations, BOLs and PODs: how factors catch them](https://carrierkyc.com/guides/fake-rate-confirmations-bols-pods)
- [Chargeback](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/chargeback)