Bill of Lading Explained
What is the Bill of Lading (BL or BoL) Explained?
The Bill may be the most important document accompanying the transportation process while shipping your automobile from a legal perspective. The reason why it is so important is because it is:
- A terms and conditions document
- A receipt of the transportation
- A dispatch report
- An inspection report
Due to its importance, you must understand the protections it does and does not provide. Since there isn't a universal format for a Bill of Lading, the following guide might not be exact regarding the order in which the information is presented. However, since a bill contains the following information, it is still instrumental in explaining everything.
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Header
The header is usually always at the top of the Bill of Lading. It provides information about the shipping company, including its name, the relevant dates of the hauling, the order #, and the driver's name.
Pickup and Delivery
This section of your Bill will contain both the pickup and delivery addresses. It is valuable information, as the delivery contacts will often be present there.
- The Bill of Lading is the primary legally binding document in auto transport, serving simultaneously as a shipping contract, condition report, delivery receipt, and dispatch record.
- Carriers must perform vehicle condition inspections at both pickup and delivery; any new damage noted at delivery must be recorded on the Bill of Lading before signing to support an insurance claim.
- FMCSA regulations require all interstate carriers to issue a Bill of Lading; it must include the VIN, odometer reading, existing damage, pickup and delivery addresses, and signatures from both parties.
The Vehicle Information
This section will include all the information about the vehicle, such as the model and make, license plate number, vehicle identification number, odometer reading, color, accessories, etc. You need to make sure that the company takes as much of this information down as possible, even if you have to insist on doing so. It's for your protection so that you can feel confident that the delivered vehicle is in the exact condition it was when it departed.
The Condition of the Vehicle
This is a crucial part of the Bill of Lading, especially for insurance purposes. In this section, the vehicle's state, namely in terms of any damages present, is noted during the pickup inspection. Once the car is delivered, an additional inspection, known as the delivery inspection, occurs to see if there is any new damage.
Federal law dictates that drivers must perform both inspections, but you should not just rely on them to do so. You should also inspect it and take plenty of pictures to ensure everything is documented.
Terms and Conditions
The Terms and Conditions portion will depend on the particular company. However, you should always read through this section thoroughly, as you will need to ensure that there are no surprises or things you aren't unaware of. This section will contain all of the legalities.
Signatures
This is the last section of a Bill of Lading in most cases. It sounds like you and the driver will need to sign it, usually at the pickup and delivery points. If someone else picks up the vehicle beside you, that person should sign it. However, you or the authorized person should not sign it if you are unhappy with the overall Bill, including the vehicle's condition.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists the requirements on its website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/part/373.
A-1 Auto Transport can answer all your questions and concerns regarding a Bill. Contact us today!
Related Information
- Auto Hauling Bill of Landing free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bill of lading and how is it used in car shipping?
A bill of lading, or BOL, is the carrier's shipping document acknowledging receipt of your vehicle and recording its movement from pickup to delivery. In auto transport, it commonly does three practical jobs: records shipment details, captures or references vehicle condition, and documents the delivery handoff. Review the entries before signing and keep your copy until transport is complete. A1's car transportation services guide shows where the BOL fits into the wider shipping process.
What does lading mean in a bill of lading?
In bill of lading, lading means the goods being carried or the act of loading them onto a ship, truck, aircraft, or other transport vehicle. In car shipping, the vehicle is the property being tendered to the carrier. You may also see bill of lading shortened to BOL or B/L. The term comes from older freight language, but the modern meaning is straightforward: the bill records the property the carrier accepted for transportation.
Who issues the bill of lading in car shipping?
The motor carrier issues the bill of lading for the vehicle it accepts for transportation, although the driver may prepare and present the carrier's form at pickup. For covered interstate shipments, federal law places the issuance duty on the carrier receiving the property rather than on a broker that arranged transportation. You or your authorized representative should review the shipment and condition entries before signing, then retain a copy for comparison at delivery.
What information is included in a vehicle bill of lading?
Federal rules for covered carriers require basic shipment information such as the consignor and consignee, origin and destination, freight description, and certain quantity or measurement details when applicable. Auto transport forms commonly add the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, mileage, carrier information, pickup and delivery dates, condition notes or diagrams, and signature fields. Layouts vary, so verify that the vehicle and condition entries are accurate before signing. A1's car shipping document guide covers related paperwork.
Is a bill of lading legally required for interstate vehicle transport?
As of September 28, 2026, the current federal rule in 49 CFR 373.101 requires motor carriers subject to §373.100 to issue a receipt or bill of lading for property tendered in interstate or foreign commerce. Section 14706 of Title 49 also requires covered carriers to issue a receipt or bill of lading for property they receive for transportation. The rule has a defined jurisdictional scope, so it is more precise than saying every type of vehicle move in every circumstance follows the same requirement.
What should I do if my car has new damage at delivery?
If you find new damage at delivery, note it on the bill of lading before signing the condition record and take clear photos while the carrier is still present. Keep the pickup and delivery records, then notify the carrier and follow its written claim instructions. A clean delivery record can make later proof more difficult, so do not sign an inaccurate condition report. A1's auto transport insurance guide explains the coverage details and documents worth checking.
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