Bill of Lading for LTL and FTL Freight Shipping: A Complete Shipper’s Guide

When you're shipping freight — whether it's less-than-truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) — there's one document that holds everything together: the bill of lading
(BOL). This essential form isn't just paperwork. It's a legally binding agreement, a shipping contract, a receipt and a critical point of reference for your entire freight journey.

Whether you're a seasoned logistics manager or shipping for the first time, understanding your shipping BOL is crucial. Getting it right ensures your freight moves smoothly. Getting it wrong? That can lead to costly delays, billing errors or even legal disputes.

In this guide, we'll break down what a bill of lading is, why it matters, how to fill it out and what shippers must know to stay compliant and efficient. We also look at the special requirements for hazmat BOLs, freight BOLs vs. freight bills and why you should conduct a freight audit. Check it out!

How does the bill of lading shape the freight shipping process?

Let's start by answering the question many shippers ask: what is a bill of lading, and why is it so important? A bill of lading — often referred to as a freight BOL or shipping BOL — is a legal document that acts as:

• A receipt for goods being shipped.
• A contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
• A title document that can be used in claims, audits and litigation.

The word "lading" is a bit of old shipping jargon that simply refers to loading cargo. So, when you define bill of lading, think of it as the comprehensive instruction sheet for your freight, guiding it from point A to point B with proper accountability at every step.

It's also important to note that a BOL is not optional. Every LTL and FTL shipment legally requires one. It lays out the who, what, where and how of your freight, making it vital for both transport and dispute resolution.

Take a detailed look at the purpose of a BOL.

Why Your BOL Matters In Every Freight Shipment

It's easy to overlook the bill of lading when you're focused on schedules and delivery dates. But this document plays a major role in more than just shipment accuracy. It also affects compliance, carrier performance, pricing, insurance and legal protection.

If your freight BOL is incorrect or incomplete, you risk:

• Delays due to misdirected or rejected shipments.
• Extra charges due to reclassification or reweighing.
• Claims denials for damaged or lost freight.
• Legal liability if errors are found to be intentional.

That's why accuracy and attention to detail are critical. A properly completed shipping BOL protects all parties involved — the shipper, the carrier and the consignee.

What information is included on a bill of lading?

A standard freight BOL includes a range of required fields, and each one plays a key role in shipment success. Here's a breakdown of what you'll typically see:

BOL Field	Purpose
Reference/Purchase Order #	Identifies the shipment and ties it to business transactions.
Shipping Service	Notes LTL or FTL and specific service levels (e.g., expedited, guaranteed).
Shipper/Ship From	Who is sending the shipment and its origin address.
Consignee/Ship To	The party receiving the shipment.
Special Instructions	Any handling needs (liftgate, temperature control, etc.).
Third-Party Freight Charges	Billing information if a third party is paying for the shipment.
C.O.D. Section	Details for "Collect on Delivery" shipments.
Shipment Details	Item count, type, weight and special labeling (fragile, hazmat, etc.).
Packaging Type	Denotes cartons, pallets, crates or containers.
NMFC Classification	Indicates freight class for LTL pricing and handling.
Hazardous Materials	Details required for hazmat transport (see below).
Declared Value	Limits carrier liability based on shipment worth.
Broker Info (International)	Required for customs clearance and communication.
Carrier Name & Driver Signature	Final checkpoint confirming pickup and cargo condition.

Each of these fields must be accurate to prevent costly mistakes and delays. Make sure your logistics team knows how to fill out a bill of lading completely and accurately.

Learn more about how to complete a bill of lading and why it's important.

Who issues a bill of lading — and who uses it?

In most freight shipping scenarios, the bill of lading is created by the shipper — typically using a carrier-provided template, a transportation management system (TMS) or with the help of a third-party logistics provider (3PL). So, if you're wondering, "who issues a bill of lading?" — it's usually the party initiating the shipment.

Other parties involved include:

• Carrier: Signs and accepts the BOL when picking up the freight.
• Consignee: Receives and signs the BOL upon delivery.
• 3PL: May assist in preparing and reviewing BOLs for accuracy.
• Auditors/claims adjusters: Reference the BOL for payment or damage disputes.

Getting the right stakeholders involved early can reduce errors and keep everyone aligned.

Who is a consignee on the bill of lading?

One of the most important entries is the consignee — the person or company authorized to accept delivery. It's usually your customer or business partner at the destination. Their name, address and contact info must be accurate and up to date. Mistakes here can trigger delivery reattempts, delay fees or rejected freight.

How To Fill Out a Bill of Lading Correctly

Shippers often ask how to fill out a bill of lading in a way that avoids delays or extra charges. Here are five tips for a clean and accurate BOL:

1. Double-check consignee details — Confirm recipient name, address and phone number.
2. Use correct NMFC and freight class — This ensures accurate pricing and handling.
3. List all accessorials — If liftgate service or inside delivery is needed, include it in the BOL.
4. Be clear on packaging and item count — Any discrepancies here may result in reweighs or disputes.
5. Declare value and hazmat info properly — Especially if you're shipping sensitive or dangerous goods.

Accuracy matters more than speed when filling out a freight BOL. Take the time upfront to prevent costly issues later.

The Risks of Inaccurate BOLs (and How To Avoid Them)

Even a small mistake on a shipping BOL can cause major issues:

• Wrong freight class? You could face a reclassification fee.
• Incorrect weight? Prepare for a reweigh and surcharge.
• Missing accessorials? Expect added delivery fees.
• Wrong consignee address? That's a delay waiting to happen.

To avoid these pitfalls:

• Use digital templates or shipping software to reduce human error.
• Review past BOLs for patterns in mistakes or omissions.
• Partner with a 3PL like Worldwide Express to help oversee documentation and accuracy.

Learn more about the risks of inaccuracies on a bill of lading.

Hazardous Materials: A Special Case for the BOL

When your freight includes hazardous materials, the shipping BOL becomes even more critical. Incorrect or missing information can lead to violations, fines, rejected freight and serious safety risks.
Hazmat BOLs must include:

• UN number: The four-digit ID for the hazardous substance.
• Proper shipping name: As defined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Packaging group number: Indicates the level of hazard.
• Hazmat class and subclass: One of nine DOT categories (e.g., flammable, corrosive, toxic).

Always consult your SDS and verify all hazmat requirements. Hazmat shipments also require a separate hazmat shipping paper, but the bill of lading remains your legal baseline.

Take a deeper dive into how to complete a hazmat bill of lading.

Freight BOL vs. Freight Bill: What's the difference?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a bill of lading and a freight bill are two distinct documents. Here's a look:

Bill of Lading (BOL)	Freight Bill (Invoice)
Created before shipment.	Generated after delivery.
Acts as a legal contract and receipt.	Serves as a billing document.
Required for carrier to accept shipment.	Used to finalize charges and reconcile payments.
Includes shipping instructions and liabilities.	Lists accessorials and final costs.

Learn more about the nuances of freight bills vs. bills of lading.

Auditing Your BOL and Freight Bills: Save Time and Money

If you want to improve shipping efficiency and reduce costs, start by auditing your documentation. A freight bill audit reviews your carrier invoices to catch:

• Duplicate charges
• Rate discrepancies
• Incorrect accessorials
• Freight class errors

This process often reveals savings opportunities. It can also highlight training needs for your team or gaps in your internal freight process. When done regularly — and paired with expert shipping support — it becomes a key tool in cost control.

If you're considering a freight bill audit, find out how Worldwide Express can help.

Get Help With Your BOL: Partner With the Pros

Completing a bill of lading shouldn't be guesswork. For many shippers, especially those handling complex or high-volume freight, the best solution is partnering with a 3PL freight expert.
At Worldwide Express, we help you:

• Accurately complete every freight BOL.
• Avoid mistakes that lead to reclassification or delays.
• Understand hazmat and accessorial documentation.
• Leverage our SpeedShip TMS^® to make BOL management easy.
• Conduct audits to eliminate waste and overcharges.

Explore the Benefits of Working With a 3PL Partner Like Worldwide Express

Worldwide Express has more than 30 years of success in the logistics industry and helps thousands of freight shippers of all sizes move products with great efficiency. We are also part of WWEX Group family of brands, alongside GlobalTranz and Unishippers.

Combined, we make up one of the largest and most diverse 3PLs in the industry, providing shippers with top solutions that help them succeed. That includes teaming up shippers with top freight carrier solutions and carriers from our network of 75+ LTL and 45,000+ FTL freight carriers!

Ready to learn more about our freight services and how we can help you master bill of lading management? Reach out for a free consultation.