Bill of Lading Template | Free Downloadable BOL Form

What is a bill of lading?

A bill of lading (BOL) is the document that governs every freight shipment. It identifies what is being shipped, who is shipping it, where it is going, and what the carrier has agreed to deliver. The BOL serves as the receipt at pickup, the contract during transit, and the proof of delivery when the freight arrives. If there is a claim, a dispute, or a discrepancy, the BOL is the document everyone goes back to.

How to fill out a bill of lading

1. Shipper information

Enter the full legal name of the company or individual shipping the freight, the complete pickup address including suite or dock number, and a direct contact phone number. The carrier uses this to confirm pickup location and contact someone if there are access issues.

2. Consignee information

Enter the full name of the receiving party, the complete delivery address, and a contact number for the receiving location. If the delivery address is a residential address or a location with limited dock access, note it here — this affects accessorial charges with most carriers.

3. Carrier information

Enter the carrier name. The Pro number (carrier's shipment tracking number) is typically assigned at pickup and added after the driver arrives. Leave it blank on the original BOL if you don't have it yet — the driver will fill it in.

4. Number of packages, weight, and dimensions

List each line item with the number of handling units (pallets, boxes, drums), the packaging type, the total weight in pounds, and the dimensions in inches (length x width x height). Weight and dimensions must be accurate — carriers reweigh and remeasure freight, and discrepancies result in additional charges and delayed delivery.

5. Freight class and NMFC code

Freight class is a standardized rating system (classes 50 through 500) used by LTL carriers to price shipments. It is primarily based on density but also considers handling characteristics, liability, and stowability. Each freight type has an NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code that determines the correct class. Enter both for each line item. Wrong freight class is the most common cause of reclassification charges — the carrier inspects the shipment, disagrees with your class, and bills you the difference.

Use the Warp freight class calculator to determine the correct class before you fill out your BOL.

6. Special instructions and declared value

Use the special instructions field for anything the carrier needs to know: fragile or stackable restrictions, hazmat designations (which require additional documentation), temperature requirements, or delivery appointment details. Declared value sets the maximum liability for loss or damage — if you leave it blank, most carriers default to a low per-pound liability limit.

7. Signatures

The shipper signs when the carrier picks up the freight, confirming the description on the BOL is accurate. The carrier signs to confirm they received the freight in the condition described. At delivery, the consignee signs to confirm the freight arrived — if there is visible damage, they should note it on the BOL before signing. A clean signature without noted exceptions limits your ability to file a damage claim later.

Common BOL mistakes that cause delays and extra charges

Wrong freight class. The most expensive mistake. If your declared class is lower than what the carrier assigns on inspection, you pay the difference plus a reclassification fee. Use accurate dimensions and weight, and verify the NMFC code before you tender.

Missing or wrong delivery address. An incomplete address (no suite number, no dock number, wrong zip code) causes the carrier to call for clarification or attempt delivery at the wrong location. Both add cost and delay.

Inaccurate weight. Estimated weight that is significantly off from actual weight triggers a reweigh charge and can delay delivery while the shipment is held for inspection.

No contact number at delivery. Carriers need a live contact at the receiving location. Missing contact info leads to missed delivery attempts and storage charges while the carrier tries to reach someone.

Signing the delivery receipt without noting damage. Once you sign a clean delivery receipt, it is very difficult to file a successful freight claim even if damage is discovered on unpacking. Always inspect before signing, and note any exceptions on the BOL.

Ship with Warp and we handle the paperwork

When you ship through Warp, the BOL is generated automatically from your shipment details. No manual forms, no freight class lookup, no risk of a field being left blank. The driver app captures proof of delivery photos and electronic signatures on every load, and delivery documentation is in your Warp dashboard the moment the delivery is complete. The BOL template above is for shippers who need it — but if you move freight regularly, the faster path is just booking through Warp.