Free bill of lading generator

How to fill out a bill of lading

1. 1

   Enter the BOL number and ship date

   The BOL number is your own reference for the shipment. The generator suggests one, or you can use your order or load number. Carriers assign their own PRO number separately.

2. 2

   Add the ship-from and ship-to locations

   Use the full street address, a contact name and phone number at each end, and any dock hours or appointment numbers. Pickup and delivery instructions print in the special instructions box.

3. 3

   Choose who pays the freight charges

   Prepaid means the shipper pays, collect means the consignee pays, and third party sends the bill to someone else, such as a broker or logistics provider. For third party, enter that company’s billing address. A BOL without billing details is a common reason for a carrier correction fee.

4. 4

   Describe the freight

   Add one line for each commodity or pallet size: how many handling units the carrier will move (usually pallets), the gross weight including pallets and packaging, the outside dimensions of one unit, and the NMFC item and freight class if you know them. Product units are counted separately, so 30 pallets holding 130 units print as 30 pallets and 130 units.

5. 5

   Answer the hazardous-materials question

   If any freight is regulated as hazardous, mark those lines and enter the shipping description and 24-hour emergency response number exactly as classified. The generator does not classify materials or add an emergency number for you.

6. 6

   Add carrier details if you have them

   The carrier name and SCAC are useful when you know them. Leave PRO, trailer and seal numbers blank until the carrier provides them; the driver can write them in at pickup.

7. 7

   Print, sign and hand off

   Print at least two copies. Tape one to the freight, have the driver sign the other and keep it as proof of pickup. Pallet labels from the same information help the carrier keep the shipment together.

Bill of lading FAQ

What is a bill of lading?

A bill of lading (BOL) is the document a shipper gives the carrier when freight is picked up. It names the shipper and consignee, describes the freight, records who pays the freight charges, and acts as the carrier’s receipt for the goods and the terms of the move. The driver signs it at pickup, and the consignee signs for the freight on delivery.

Will carriers accept a BOL made with this generator?

It produces a standard US straight, non-negotiable short-form bill of lading with the sections carriers expect: shipper, consignee, third-party billing, carrier information, freight details, declared value and COD, and shipper and carrier signature blocks. A carrier accepts a BOL when its driver signs it at pickup. Some carriers and brokers require their own BOL or a booking number on it, so confirm with your carrier before pickup.

What is the difference between a straight and an order bill of lading?

A straight bill of lading consigns freight to a named consignee and cannot be transferred by endorsement. It is the right document for almost all domestic LTL and truckload shipments. An order (negotiable) bill of lading can transfer ownership of the goods and is mostly used in international trade. This generator makes straight bills of lading only.

Who fills out the bill of lading?

The shipper, or a logistics provider acting for the shipper, prepares the BOL before pickup. The driver adds carrier details such as the PRO, trailer and seal numbers, confirms the piece count and signs. The consignee signs on delivery and notes any shortage or damage.

Do I need a PRO number before I print?

No. The PRO number comes from the carrier. Leave it blank and the driver can write it in or attach a PRO label in the box provided on the document.

How do I choose the freight class?

If your commodity has an NMFC item, use the class assigned to that item. Otherwise most freight is classed by density: weight divided by cubic feet. The generator shows a density-based estimate for each line, but it never prints an estimate as your class unless you choose it. You can also use our freight class calculator. Open the freight class calculator.

Is my shipment information stored or shared?

No. The document and PDF are created in your browser, and nothing you type is sent to ShipWave. If you turn on “Keep this draft on this device” or use “Save as my company”, the information is stored only in this browser, and “Clear saved information” removes it.

Can I download a blank or fillable bill of lading?

Yes. Download a blank fillable PDF template to type into in any PDF reader or print and complete by hand. In the generator, the blank template includes your logo and company name if you have added them.

Can I use it for hazardous materials?

Yes, if you already have the shipping description for each hazardous line (identification number, proper shipping name, hazard class and packing group) and a 24-hour emergency response number. The document prints the shipper’s certification. The generator does not classify materials, supply an emergency number or confirm that a carrier will accept the shipment.