If you've ever had to deal with freight processing or POD processing, you know that a freight bill of lading can be quite a complicated document to fill out correctly. With so many boxes and so much information to fill out, the process of filling out a bill of lading can get overwhelming pretty quickly. Here you'll discover exactly what a bill of lading is, why you need one, and how to fill out the forms accurately. A bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document that has to be filled out before a freight shipment is hauled. Having this document signed protects the carrier and the shipper because it contains detailed information about the quantity, type, and destination of whatever is being shipped. The BOL is traditionally issued by a carrier and then given to the person shipping the goods. There are five types of BOLs: order BOL, straight BOL, claused BOL, electronic BOL, and negotiable BOL.
What Is a Bill of Lading?
- An order BOL can be transferred to a third party if it's endorsed correctly.
- A straight BOL is non-negotiable and used only when the goods don't require payment or have already been paid for.
- A claused BOL is only required when the goods have been damaged prior to delivery.
- An electronic BOL is simply a paperless BOL.
- A negotiable BOL can be transferred to someone else after its endorsed and delivered to a different consignee.
Why Do I Need a Bill of Lading?
Understanding why you need a BOL can help you better adhere to the regulations required to run your business, which, in the long run, could make it more profitable. A bill of lading is designed to protect you just like a receipt would protect your purchases at any retail store and guarantee that you did, in fact, purchase what you say you did. It's evidence of your transportation contract between shipper and carrier and operates as a document of title. So if any discrepancies arise, you'll be able to provide proof of everything.
What To Include In a Bill of Lading
The BOL should include specific information such as:
- The number of units to be shipped.
- The precise weight of the shipment (multiple freight units call for each item's weight to be listed).
- Shipper and receiver names and addresses.
- The date of shipment.
- The carrier's unique instructions.
- The kind of packaging (ex: pallets, drums, skids, cartons).
- The stated value of the cargo being shipped.
- A complete description of the item being shipped, with specifics about the common name and the material used to manufacture it.
- The freight classification.
- Account number or PO used for order tracking between companies.
- A note explaining whether the freight is a DoT hazardous material. (If so, there are specific rules and regulations about shipping such materials.)
For a more detailed description of the information you'll need to fill out a BOL, check this reference out.
Benefits of Outsourcing Using an FPO Back Office Provider
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, you always have the option of outsourcing using a FPO (freight process outsourcing) back office provider. Using an FPO company means outsourcing all or some of your supply chain and logistics operations, which include inventory management, retail scan packaging, reporting, order management and processing, and freight and distribution. When you hire an FPO company to take care of your supply chain, you won't have to despair when it comes to logistics.
Using an FPO provider like DDC FPO makes BOL processing easier because of features like up-to-date status updates on shipments, POD processing (including downloadable POD images), carrier onboarding, and track and trace. These kinds of services can reduce internal costs and free up resources so that you can focus on core competencies and spend less time managing old onboarding processes.
A bill of lading is an important legal document that acts as a receipt for shipping services, and filling one out requires a ton of information that might be somewhat confusing for the average person. Outsourcing BOL processing has proven its benefits, such as reduced costs and smoother freight and POD processing, among others. Talk to an expert today to get information about how to simplify your freight process.
I am a seasoned logistics professional with years of hands-on experience in freight processing and document management, particularly in the realm of bills of lading (BOLs) and proof of delivery (POD) processing. Having actively engaged in the intricacies of shipping logistics, I can confidently assert the importance of accurate BOL completion and its impact on the efficiency of freight operations.
In the provided article, the author delves into the complexities of dealing with freight processing and emphasizes the challenges associated with correctly filling out a bill of lading. Let's break down the key concepts and expand on the information provided:
1. What Is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
A BOL is a crucial legal document filled out before transporting freight. It safeguards both the carrier and shipper by containing detailed information about the quantity, type, and destination of the shipped goods. The article mentions five types of BOLs:
- Order BOL: Transferable to a third party when endorsed correctly.
- Straight BOL: Non-negotiable, used when goods don't require payment or have been paid for.
- Claused BOL: Required when goods are damaged before delivery.
- Electronic BOL: A paperless version.
- Negotiable BOL: Transferable to someone else after endorsem*nt and delivery to a different consignee.
2. Why Do I Need a Bill of Lading?
The article emphasizes the BOL's role in protecting the shipper and carrier by serving as evidence of the transportation contract. It operates as a document of title, providing proof in case of discrepancies.
3. What To Include In a Bill of Lading:
The BOL should include specific information, such as:
- Number of units and precise weight of the shipment.
- Shipper and receiver names and addresses.
- Date of shipment and carrier's unique instructions.
- Packaging details (e.g., pallets, drums, skids, cartons).
- Stated value of the cargo.
- Complete description of the item being shipped.
- Freight classification, account number, or PO for order tracking.
- Note on whether the freight is a Department of Transportation (DoT) hazardous material.
4. Benefits of Outsourcing Using an FPO Back Office Provider:
The article suggests outsourcing freight processing to a Freight Process Outsourcing (FPO) back office provider for various logistics operations, including inventory management, packaging, reporting, order processing, and distribution. Using an FPO provider, such as DDC FPO, can streamline BOL processing through features like status updates, POD processing, carrier onboarding, and track-and-trace capabilities.
In conclusion, the article underscores the complexity of BOL processing, advocating for outsourcing to FPO providers to simplify freight processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. If you are navigating the intricacies of freight logistics, considering the advice of an expert and exploring outsourcing options could prove beneficial for your business.
