Automobile Bill of Lading Template

AUTOMOBILE BILL OF LADING AND MOTOR CARRIER TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT

Document ID: BOL-MCTA-2023-V1.0
Effective Date: [Effective Date]
Version: 1.0
Governing Jurisdiction: State of [State / Jurisdiction]

---

1. STATUTORY & LEGAL COMPLIANCE NOTICE

NOTICE: This Automobile Bill of Lading and Motor Carrier Transportation Agreement is an institutional-grade legal instrument governing the interstate and intrastate transportation of motor vehicles. This document incorporates by reference the applicable provisions of the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act (ICCTA), the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Failure to complete all designated fields accurately may impair legal enforceability under state and federal law. Legal counsel should be consulted to ensure specific compliance with regional Department of Transportation (DOT) and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) mandates.

---

2. PARTIES & RECITALS

This Automobile Bill of Lading and Motor Carrier Transportation Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into and made effective as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), by and between:

Carrier: [Carrier Full Legal Name], a [State of Incorporation/Organization] [Corporation/LLC/Partnership], with its principal place of business located at [Carrier Principal Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Carrier"), and

Shipper: [Shipper Full Legal Name], a [State of Incorporation/Organization] [Corporation/LLC/Individual], with its principal place of business located at [Shipper Principal Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Shipper").

RECITALS: WHEREAS, the Carrier is a duly licensed and authorized motor carrier of property operating under USDOT Number [USDOT Number] and MC Number [MC Number], possessing the equipment, personnel, and expertise required to transport motor vehicles safely and efficiently; and
WHEREAS, the Shipper desires to tender certain motor vehicles to the Carrier for transportation, and the Carrier desires to accept such vehicles for transportation subject to the terms, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and conditions contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

---

3. EXHAUSTIVE OPERATIVE CLAUSES & LEGAL TERMS

Section 1. Scope of Services & Vehicle Particulars

1.1 Transport Obligations. The Carrier shall provide motor carrier transportation services, including the loading, securement, transit, and unloading of the motor vehicle(s) (the "Vehicle(s)") detailed herein.
1.2 Vehicle Particulars. The Vehicle(s) subject to transport under this Agreement are specifically identified as follows:

• Make/Model/Year: [Vehicle Year, Make, Model]
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [17-Digit VIN]
• License Plate / State: [License Plate Number and State]
• Odometer Reading: [Odometer Reading]
• Special Handling Instructions: [Special Instructions or "None"] 1.3 Route and Dispatch. The Carrier shall determine the specific route and scheduling for the transport of the Vehicle(s), provided that delivery is executed within a reasonable timeframe or by the target delivery date of [Target Delivery Date], subject to force majeure events as defined herein.

Section 2. Compensation & Payment Terms

2.1 Freight Charges. In consideration for the transportation services rendered, the Shipper shall pay the total sum of [Amount in USD] (USD) (the "Freight Charges"), calculated in accordance with the agreed rate schedule or quotation attached hereto.
2.2 Invoicing and Payment Due Date. The Carrier shall issue an invoice to the Shipper upon completion of delivery or as otherwise specified. Payment shall be due in full within [Number] days of the invoice date ("Net [Number]").
2.3 Late Payment Interest. Any undisputed invoice amount not paid when due shall accrue interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month, or the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, whichever is lower, calculated from the date due until paid in full.
2.4 Lien Rights. The Carrier shall have a general and continuing lien upon all Vehicle(s) tendered to it, and any documents relating thereto, for all freight charges, advances, storage, or other charges past due under this or any other agreement between the Parties. The Carrier may enforce this lien in accordance with applicable state commercial codes.

Section 3. Term & Termination

3.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect until the transportation services are fully performed and the Vehicle(s) are delivered and accepted, unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section.
3.2 Termination for Convenience. The Shipper may terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, for its convenience upon providing [Number] hours written notice to the Carrier prior to the scheduled dispatch time, subject to a dispatch cancellation fee of [Amount in USD] (USD).
3.3 Termination for Cause (Breach). Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice if the other Party materially breaches any provision hereof and fails to cure such material breach within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of written notice detailing the breach.
3.4 Effect of Termination. Upon termination, the Shipper shall remain liable for all earned freight charges and reimbursable expenses incurred by the Carrier up to the effective date of termination.

Section 4. Carrier Operating Authority, Insurance & Liability

4.1 Regulatory Compliance. The Carrier warrants that it maintains all necessary federal, state, and local licenses, permits, and operating authority required to perform the services contemplated herein.
4.2 Cargo Insurance. The Carrier shall secure and maintain, at its sole expense, comprehensive motor truck cargo liability insurance in an amount not less than [Amount in USD] ($[Numeric Amount] USD) per occurrence, and general liability insurance. Proof of insurance shall be provided to the Shipper upon request.
4.3 Carmack Amendment Standard. The Carrier's liability for loss, damage, or delay to the Vehicle(s) shall be determined in accordance with the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706). The Carrier shall be liable for the actual loss or injury to the Vehicle(s) caused by its negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts during transit.

Section 5. Inspection, Exceptions & Delivery

5.1 Origin Inspection. Prior to loading, the Carrier and the Shipper (or their respective authorized agents) shall jointly inspect the exterior of the Vehicle(s) and record all existing pre-existing damages, scratches, dents, or operational defects on the Condition Report / Bill of Lading.
5.2 Destination Inspection. Upon delivery, the consignee and the Carrier shall jointly inspect the Vehicle(s) against the initial Condition Report. Any new damage, loss, or exception must be explicitly noted in writing on the delivery receipt prior to the driver's departure.
5.3 Concealed Damage. Failure to note damage at the time of delivery creates a rebuttable presumption that the Vehicle(s) was delivered in good condition. Claims for concealed damage must be submitted in writing to the Carrier within [Number] days of delivery, accompanied by supporting photographic evidence.

Section 6. Shipper Warranties & Responsibilities

6.1 Personal Property. The Shipper warrants that the Vehicle(s) shall not contain personal property, hazardous materials, firearms, contraband, or illegal substances. The Carrier assumes zero liability for personal items left inside the Vehicle(s) in violation of this provision.
6.2 Vehicle Preparation. The Shipper is solely responsible for ensuring the Vehicle(s) is prepared for transport, including disabling toll tags, securing loose exterior parts, maintaining no more than one-quarter (1/4) tank of fuel, and disarming aftermarket security systems.
6.3 Accuracy of Information. The Shipper warrants that all information provided regarding the dimensions, weight, and operational status of the Vehicle(s) is true, accurate, and complete.

Section 7. Representations & Warranties

7.1 Mutual Representations. Each Party represents and warrants that: (a) it has the full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions; and (c) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms.

Section 8. Limitation of Liability & Indemnification

8.1 Consequential Damages Waiver. Except for liability arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of confidentiality, neither Party shall be liable to the other for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages, including loss of profits or business interruption, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.
8.2 Shipper Indemnification. The Shipper agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Carrier, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, fines, penalties, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or resulting from: (a) the Shipper’s breach of any warranty or obligation under Section 6; or (b) the presence of unauthorized personal property or hazardous materials within the Vehicle(s).
8.3 Carrier Indemnification. The Carrier agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Shipper, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of physical damage to the Vehicle(s) or third-party property damage caused by the negligent acts or omissions of the Carrier during the performance of transport services.

Section 9. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

9.1 Negotiation. In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the matter through direct business negotiations between designated executives for a period of thirty (30) days.
9.2 Binding Arbitration. If the dispute is not resolved through negotiation, it shall be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The place of arbitration shall be [City, State]. The arbitrator's award shall be final and binding, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

Section 10. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

10.1 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort, or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of, or relate to this Agreement, shall be governed by, enforced under, and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of [State / Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of laws principles, and applicable federal transportation laws (including the Carmack Amendment).
10.2 Jurisdiction. Subject to Section 9, each Party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within [County] County, [State] for any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

Section 11. Miscellaneous

11.1 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
11.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Execution may be accomplished via facsimile, PDF, or electronic signature platforms (e.g., DocuSign).
11.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all attached schedules, exhibits, and condition reports, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral.
11.4 Amendments. No modification, amendment, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument signed by authorized representatives of both Parties.

---

4. EXECUTION & FORMAL SIGNATURE BLOCKS

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Automobile Bill of Lading and Motor Carrier Transportation Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers or representatives as of the Effective Date written above.

FOR CARRIER ([Carrier Full Legal Name]):

Signature: _____________________________________
Printed Name: [Authorized Signatory Name]
Title: [Title / Role]
Company: [Carrier Full Legal Name]
Date: [Date]

FOR SHIPPER ([Shipper Full Legal Name]):

Signature: _____________________________________
Printed Name: [Authorized Signatory Name]
Title: [Title / Role]
Company: [Shipper Full Legal Name]
Date: [Date]

---

5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION & FILING GUIDE

1. Document Review & Field Population:
   Open the document in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Locate all bracketed text strings (e.g., [Effective Date], [Carrier Full Legal Name], [Amount in USD]) and replace them with precise, verified factual data. Ensure no bracketed placeholders remain unaddressed.
2. Legal & Operational Verification:
   Confirm that the USDOT and MC numbers for the Carrier are verified via the FMCSA SAFER system. Ensure the vehicle VIN matches the vehicle registration document and insurance binder limits adequately cover the stated market value of the Vehicle(s).
3. Execution via Electronic Signature:
   Export the finalized document as a secure PDF and upload it to an institutional electronic signature platform (such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign). Route the document to the designated corporate signatories for execution with audit-trail tracking enabled.
4. Physical Inspection and Exchange:
   During vehicle pickup, ensure both the Carrier driver and the Shipper (or designated consignee) conduct a physical walk-around inspection, document existing vehicle blemishes on the Condition Report, and execute the paper or digital delivery receipt.
5. Record Retention:
   Upon final execution and delivery, store the fully executed Agreement, along with the origin/destination condition reports and photographic logs, in the corporate legal repository for a minimum of three (3) years to satisfy federal motor carrier recordkeeping and statutory compliance standards.