What Is Bill of Lading (BOL) in Trucking?
Also called: BOL
A bill of lading (BOL) is the paper that shows what freight a driver picked up. It is a receipt for the load. It also holds the shipping terms. Federal rules say for-hire carriers must issue one with the shipper and receiver names, the pickup and delivery points, the package count, a description of the freight and the weight when it sets the rate.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 15, 2026
Key Points
- A BOL is a receipt for the freight, a record of what was loaded and the shipping terms for the move
- Federal rule 49 CFR 373.101 says a for-hire motor carrier must issue one for freight it takes in interstate commerce
- It names the shipper and receiver, the pickup and delivery points, the package count, a description of the freight and the weight when it is used to rate the load
- Check the piece count and the condition of the freight before you sign. Write any damage or shortage on the BOL
- The signed BOL is usually your proof of delivery. You need it to invoice the load or factor it
Rate confirmation vs. bill of lading
| Rate Confirmation | Bill of Lading | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The pay contract for one load | The receipt and shipping record for the freight |
| Who it is between | The broker (or shipper) and the carrier | The shipper, the carrier and the receiver |
| When you get it | Before you pick up the load | At pickup, and signed again at delivery |
| What it shows | Rate, stops, times, fees and payment terms | What was loaded: pieces, weight, description and condition |
| How it helps you get paid | Shows what you are owed | The signed copy is usually your proof of delivery |
What does a bill of lading do?
A BOL does three jobs. It is a receipt that shows the carrier took the freight. It is a record of what was loaded, and how much. And it carries the terms of the move. For a driver, it is the paper that follows the freight from the shipper's dock to the receiver's dock. A signed copy at delivery is what most brokers and factoring companies ask for before they pay you.
What must be on a bill of lading?
The federal rule is 49 CFR 373.101. It says a motor carrier that falls under the rule must issue a receipt or bill of lading for the freight. It must show the names of the shipper (consignor) and receiver (consignee), the pickup and delivery points, the number of packages, a description of the freight and the weight, volume or measure when that is used to set the rate. The carrier must also keep a record of this information under 49 CFR part 379. Shippers often add more, such as seal numbers, special handling notes or a reference number. Those extras come from the shipper, not from this rule.
What should a driver check before signing?
Read it before you sign. Count the pieces and compare the count to the paper. Look at the freight and the seal, if there is one. If you see damage, a shortage or wet or crushed boxes, write it on the BOL before you sign and take photos. Once you sign a clean BOL, it is harder to say later that the freight was already damaged. Keep your copy. Rules can differ by carrier and shipper, so follow your carrier's process too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bill of lading in trucking?+
A bill of lading (BOL) is the shipping paper for a load. It is a receipt for the freight and a record of what was loaded. It also carries the terms of the move. Federal rule 49 CFR 373.101 lists what a for-hire carrier's BOL must show.
Is a BOL the same as a rate confirmation?+
No. A rate confirmation is the pay contract between you and the broker. A BOL is the shipping paper that goes with the freight. You need the rate con to know what you are owed and the signed BOL to prove you delivered.
Who gets a copy of the BOL?+
The shipper, the carrier and the receiver each keep a copy. Keep yours. Most brokers and factoring companies need the signed BOL, or proof of delivery, before they pay the invoice.
What if the freight is damaged when I pick it up?+
Write the damage or shortage on the BOL before you sign, and take photos. A clean signature says the freight looked fine when you took it. Ask your carrier or dispatcher how to handle exceptions on that load.
What does a bill of lading have to show under federal rules?+
Under 49 CFR 373.101, a for-hire motor carrier must issue a receipt or bill of lading for property it takes in interstate or foreign commerce. It must show the names of the consignor and consignee, the origin and destination points, the number of packages, a description of the freight, and the weight, volume or measure when that is used to rate the freight. The carrier must keep a record of this information as set out in 49 CFR part 379.
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.