Bill of Lading Form for Moving Company

BILL OF LADING AND CONTRACT FOR CARRIAGE OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Document Control

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 1.0
• Jurisdiction/Scope: [State/Province], Governed by the laws of [Governing Jurisdiction] and applicable federal transport regulations (e.g., FMCSA/DOT).

1. LEGAL NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

This document constitutes a binding contract of carriage between the Carrier and the Shipper. The Carrier’s liability for loss or damage is limited to [e.g., $0.60 per pound per article] unless an alternative valuation option is declared and purchased. READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. This document is for informational and operational purposes; users should consult with qualified local legal counsel to ensure compliance with specific regional statutes.

2. PARTIES AND SHIPMENT PARTICULARS

• Carrier: [Company Name], [DOT/MC Number], [Business Address]
• Shipper: [Full Legal Name], [Current Address]
• Origin Address: [Full Address including ZIP]
• Destination Address: [Full Address including ZIP]
• Service Date: [Scheduled Date]

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. SCOPE OF SERVICE: Carrier agrees to transport the household goods listed in the attached Inventory from the Origin Address to the Destination Address.
2. VALUATION AND LIABILITY: Shipper elects: [ ] Basic Liability ($0.60/lb) OR [ ] Full Value Protection (Addendum Required).
3. CHARGES AND PAYMENT: Shipper agrees to pay the total estimate of $[Amount]. Payment is due in full via [Certified Funds/Credit Card] upon delivery, prior to unloading.
4. INVENTORY CONTROL: A descriptive inventory of all items is attached hereto as "Exhibit A." Any discrepancies in count or condition must be noted by the Shipper at the time of delivery.
5. FORCE MAJEURE: Carrier is not liable for delays caused by strikes, civil unrest, weather, or highway obstruction.
6. CLAIMS PROCEDURE: Notice of loss or damage must be filed in writing within [9] months of delivery. Formal claims must be submitted to [Company Claims Email/Address].
7. LIEN RIGHTS: Pursuant to state law, Carrier maintains a lien on all goods transported for unpaid freight and storage charges.

4. EXECUTION AND SIGNATURES

Shipper Acknowledgment: I acknowledge receipt of the "Your Rights and Responsibilities" information packet and agree to the terms stated herein.

Carrier Representative: Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Signature: _______________________ Date: __________________________

Shipper: Name: __________________________ Signature: _______________________ Date: __________________________

5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

• Step 1: Inventory Verification. Carrier must generate a detailed inventory (Exhibit A) listing pre-existing damage. Shipper must sign each page of the inventory at Origin.
• Step 2: Valuation Declaration. Explicitly circle or check the selected liability coverage option. Failure to do so defaults to the lowest statutory limit.
• Step 3: Document Duplication. Provide one executed original to the Shipper immediately upon signing at the Origin. Retain one copy for internal audit.
• Step 4: Delivery Audit. At the Destination, perform a final count against the original inventory before unloading. Note any damage clearly on the Delivery Receipt before the Carrier departs.
• Step 5: Enforceability. Ensure the document includes the Carrier's USDOT number if operating interstate. Keep all signed records for a minimum of 3 years to comply with regulatory document retention requirements.
• Step 6: Payment Receipt. Upon final payment, issue a "Paid in Full" receipt marked with the date, transaction ID, and the signature of the Lead Driver/Moving Crew Chief.