Key takeaways
- The Bill of Lading (BOL) records your vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery.
- It's your receipt, condition report, and primary evidence for any damage claim.
- Walk the car with the driver. Note every existing mark BEFORE you sign.
- Damage not noted on the BOL at delivery is extremely difficult to claim later.
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official document that records the condition of your vehicle at pickup and delivery. It's a legal contract between you and the carrier that serves as your receipt, condition report, and primary evidence if you need to file a damage claim. Every car shipment generates a BOL — understanding how to read and use it is essential.
What the BOL contains
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN)
- Condition report at pickup (every existing scratch, ding, dent)
- Condition report at delivery (any new damage)
- Signatures of shipper and carrier driver
- Date and time stamps
How to use the BOL to protect yourself
At pickup: Walk the vehicle with the driver. Verify every existing mark is noted. If you see something the driver missed, point it out and have it added BEFORE you sign. Once you sign, you agree the report is accurate.
At delivery: Walk the vehicle again. Compare against the pickup BOL. Note any new damage on the delivery BOL BEFORE signing. Take your own photos immediately.
Critical rule: Damage not noted on the BOL at delivery is extremely difficult to claim later. The BOL is your primary evidence.
Digital vs. paper BOL
Traditional brokers use paper BOL forms — carbon copies that are easy to lose and hard to read. ShipCargo provides electronic BOLs with digital photo inspections. The BOL, photos, and condition records stay accessible online throughout and after your shipment.
FAQ
What if I find damage after signing? Damage not noted on the BOL at delivery is very hard to claim. Photos taken at delivery may still support a claim filed within 3 days.
What should I check? Every scratch, ding, dent at pickup; any new damage at delivery — before signing.
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