Bill of Lading: What Is It & How Important Is It? Saying it is one thing, but proving it is another. A Bill of Lading (BoL) is not another piece of paper that someone just glances at and throws away. It is carrier-issued receipt that provides details on the shipper, consignee, destination address, date, charges payable or auto shipping cost, and vehicle damage, if any. These documents also spell out the shipping company’s business terms and conditions. This blog gives an overview of what a Bill of Lading is made of and hence their significance to customers seeking auto transportation services. Different vehicle carriers use different formats and enter different information on their Bills of Lading, but the following elements remain the standard.
Condition of Vehicle The condition of vehicle at the time of receipt for shipment is included in a Bill of Lading. Whether there are any pre-existing dents, scratches or any form of damage on the vehicle - the BoL documents all of them. In other words, the condition of a vehicle on loading is marked in detail in a BoL. Thus, this bill is a record that serves as a contract between an auto shipping company and customers regarding the condition of vehicle at the time it is received for loading and transportation. Looking at a Bill of Lading, both sides will come to know whether any damage in the vehicle is pre-existing or sustained during the transit.
Terms & Conditions Terms and Conditions are another useful purpose that Bills of Lading serve. They allow customers to go through vehicle shipment terms and conditions of a carrier so that they are not taken by surprise later on. T&Cs are how a customer sets their expectations while dealing with a shipping company. It is important to pay attention to such legalities related to auto carriers so that you don’t feel disappointed for not meeting your service expectations. Signatures Once a vehicle arrives at the destination, the transporter and the vehicle owner sign the Bill of Lading, confirming safe and timely delivery. But before you sign the bill, you may do a visual inspection and compare the condition of the vehicle with what the Vehicle Condition section indicates. If anything looks amiss, you are free not to sign the document. It being a legal document, once a customer signs it, it becomes binding. Make sure the auto transporter has completed the transaction satisfactorily before you release the carrier. Wrap-Up There are hundreds of professional auto shippers in the USA that vehicle owners can utilize to transport their automobiles. Understanding the ins and outs of their Bill of Lading will help minimize any chances of trouble during vehicle shipment. This will ensure that their experience with auto transporters is smooth and worry-free.