Batch Picking

What is a Bill of Lading?

A bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document issued by a carrier that serves as:

  • A receipt for shipped goods

  • A contract of carriage

  • A document of title, which proves ownership of the goods

It is signed by the carrier upon delivery to confirm receipt of the goods.

Originally used for goods shipped by sea, bills of lading are now used for all international trade and shipping. While paper bills of lading were traditionally used, businesses are now moving to electronic bills of lading (eBOL) to save costs, reduce processing time and enhance security.

BOLs are sometimes referred to as shipping bills of lading or freight bills of lading.

Key Components of a BOL Document

It’s important to note that there are several different types of BOL documents, so the key components may vary.

Standard BOL documents contain the following information:

  • Shipper and consignee details: With complete addresses and contact information.

  • Shipment details: Including a reference number, description of goods, quantities and any hazmat designations.

  • Transportation details: Including date of loading, place of loading, the transport method and where the goods will be delivered.

  • Financial and legal details: Including freight charges, payment terms and liability limits

  • Any special instructions: For example, temperature control or appointment scheduling.

Do I Need Specialist Bill of Lading Software?Need Specialist Bill of Lading Software?

There are specialist platforms you can use to generate BOL documents.

However, if you have a warehouse management system (WMS), you can use this to create BOL documents.

How WMS Generates Bills of Lading

Warehouse management systems automatically create BOLs during the shipping process by pulling data from the order, customer master and carrier files.

The WMS accumulates shipment details as operatives pick and pack items, including weights, dimensions and quantities.

When an order is ready for shipping, the WMS generates the BOL and prints the document for inclusion with the shipment.

By integrating WMS with a carrier system, you can enable electronic bills of lading for optimal speed and security. For LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments, the WMS will determine appropriate freight classes based on product density and packaging.