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| Customer order no. | # Packages | Weight (lb) | Pallet/Slip |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO-77421 | 4 | 820 | Y |
| Total | 4 | 820 |
| Handling units | Packages | Weight (lb) | Commodity description | NMFC # | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pallet | 4 Carton | 820 | Auto parts, NOI | 79240 | 70 |
| Total | 820 |
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Blank Bill of Lading, PDF
Print-ready layout. Best for drivers and dock printouts.
Blank Bill of Lading, Word
Editable .docx you can brand, tweak wording, and reuse.
Blank Bill of Lading, Excel
Spreadsheet grid for bulk shipments and quick math.
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What is a bill of lading?
A bill of lading (BOL or B/L) is the core document in a freight shipment. Issued by or on behalf of the carrier when goods are picked up, it does three jobs at once.
A receipt: proof the carrier received the goods in the stated condition and quantity.
A contract of carriage: the terms under which the carrier agrees to move the freight.
A document of title: on a negotiable BOL, whoever holds it can claim the goods, which is why it underpins international trade and letters of credit.
For domestic US trucking (less-than-truckload, or LTL), shippers and carriers typically use the standardized VICS straight bill of lading, the exact layout this generator produces.
Types of bill of lading
Straight BOL
Non-negotiable; goods go to a named consignee. The standard for prepaid domestic freight.
Order BOL
Negotiable; title transfers by endorsement. Used when payment happens in transit.
Ocean BOL
Covers sea freight; can be negotiable or straight, and acts as a shipment contract across ports.
Air waybill (AWB)
The air-cargo equivalent; always non-negotiable and issued by the airline or forwarder.
Master & House BOL
A forwarder issues a House BOL to the shipper; the carrier issues a Master BOL to the forwarder.
Through BOL
Covers multiple modes or carriers under one document, for example truck then ocean.
How to fill out a bill of lading
Ship From: Shipper's legal name, full address, and SID number if you use one.
Ship To: Consignee's name and delivery address, plus any CID or location number.
Third-party Bill To: Only if a different party pays the freight charges.
BOL number & date: Your unique reference and the pickup date, used to track and reconcile the shipment.
Carrier details: Carrier name, SCAC code, trailer and seal numbers, and PRO number.
Freight charge terms: Mark Prepaid, Collect, or 3rd Party so everyone knows who is billed.
Customer order information: Purchase-order numbers, package counts, and weights per order.
Commodity description: Handling units, packaging, weight, NMFC number, and freight class for each commodity. Flag any hazardous materials.
Special instructions & COD: Liftgate, appointment, or notify requirements, and any collect-on-delivery amount.
Signatures: Shipper certifies the description; the driver signs at pickup to acknowledge receipt.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this bill of lading template really free?
Yes. The generator and all downloads are free, with no account, watermark, or usage limit. Everything runs in your browser, so your shipment data never leaves your device.
What is a bill of lading number?
A unique identifier the shipper or carrier assigns to each BOL. It links the physical shipment to its paperwork and is used to track the freight and reconcile invoices.
Who issues the bill of lading?
The carrier, or a freight forwarder acting on the carrier's behalf, issues it when the goods are picked up. The shipper prepares the details and certifies the commodity description.
What's the difference between a straight and an order bill of lading?
A straight BOL is non-negotiable: the goods are released only to the named consignee. An order BOL is negotiable: title can be transferred by endorsing the document, which is common when payment occurs while goods are in transit.
Can I download it as Word or Excel instead of PDF?
Yes. Use the toolbar to export your filled-in BOL as PDF, Word, or Excel, or grab a blank template from the Blank templates section.
What date goes on the bill of lading?
Use the pickup date, the day the carrier takes possession of the freight. This is the date the contract of carriage takes effect.
