Bill of Lading Form Template Word Download

BILL OF LADING (DOMESTIC/INTERNATIONAL)

DOCUMENT CONTROL

• Effective Date: [Insert Date]
• Version: 1.0
• Jurisdiction/Scope: Governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 7 / Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) as applicable to the transport mode.

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL PURPOSES. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. USE OF THIS TEMPLATE IS AT THE SOLE RISK OF THE USER. LEGAL COUNSEL SHOULD REVIEW ALL LOGISTICS CONTRACTS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL, AND INTERNATIONAL CARRIAGE REGULATIONS.

2. IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES & SHIPMENT

SHIPPER: [Full Legal Name] | [Address] | [Contact Person/Phone] CONSIGNEE: [Full Legal Name] | [Address] | [Contact Person/Phone] CARRIER: [Company Name] | [SCAC Code] | [USDOT/MC Number]

SHIPMENT DETAILS:

• Bill of Lading Number: [BOL-XXXX]
• Date of Shipment: [Date]
• Carrier Pro Number: [Number]
• Purchase Order/Reference No: [PO Number]

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

1. CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE: The Carrier named above agrees to transport the property described herein from the point of origin to the destination named herein, subject to the classifications and tariffs in effect on the date of issue.
2. LIABILITY LIMITATIONS: Unless a higher value is declared in writing and an additional premium is paid, the Carrier’s liability for loss or damage is limited to the lesser of the actual value of the goods or the limits established by the governing tariff or treaty.
3. NOTICE OF CLAIMS: Any claim for loss or damage must be filed in writing with the Carrier within [e.g., 9 months] after delivery of the property or, in case of failure to make delivery, within [e.g., 9 months] after a reasonable time for delivery has elapsed.
4. RECOURSE: The Consignor (Shipper) and Consignee shall be jointly and severally liable for all freight and other lawful charges, unless the Shipper stipulates in writing (e.g., "Section 7 Non-Recourse Clause") that the Carrier shall not make delivery without payment of such charges.
5. FORCE MAJEURE: Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to acts of God, war, terrorism, government regulation, disaster, or any other cause beyond the party’s reasonable control.

4. FREIGHT DESCRIPTION

Total Weight: [Total] | Handling Units: [Total]

5. EXECUTION & SIGNATURES

SHIPPER SIGNATURE:

Name/Title: [Print Name/Title] | Date: [Date]

CARRIER SIGNATURE: (Acknowledge receipt of property in apparent good order, except as noted)

Name/Title: [Print Name/Title] | Date: [Date]

6. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Preparation: Fill out all bracketed fields. Ensure descriptions of goods are specific to prevent classification disputes during transit.
2. Verification: The Carrier must physically inspect the cargo at the point of origin. Note any pre-existing damage in the "Exceptions" section of the BOL.
3. Distribution: Generate three original copies:
   • Original 1: Retained by the Shipper as proof of tender.
   • Original 2: Retained by the Carrier for transport documentation.
   • Original 3: Accompany the shipment and be signed by the Consignee upon delivery.
4. Execution: The BOL serves as a "Document of Title." It must be signed by an authorized representative of both the Shipper and the Carrier to establish the contractual obligation.
5. Retention: Maintain digital and hard-copy records for a minimum of 3 years (or as required by the Internal Revenue Service/Department of Transportation) to facilitate audit readiness.
6. Dispute Resolution: In the event of a cargo claim, attach the original BOL to the formal claim notice submitted to the Carrier’s risk management department.