Bill of Lading Format in Word

BILL OF LADING (BOL) / CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE

DOCUMENT CONTROL

• Effective Date: [Insert Date]
• Version: 1.0
• Jurisdiction/Governing Law: [Insert State/Country]
• Scope: Multimodal/Domestic Carriage

1. LEGAL NOTICE & DISCLAIMER

This document constitutes a formal Bill of Lading pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 7 or applicable international conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules, as applicable). By signing or accepting this document, the Carrier acknowledges receipt of the goods in apparent good order and condition, except as noted. This instrument serves as a receipt, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute formal legal advice. Consult with counsel regarding specific commodity-based liability limitations (e.g., COGSA or Carmack Amendment).

2. IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES

SHIPPER: Name: [Company Name] Address: [Full Physical Address] Contact: [Name/Phone]

CONSIGNEE: Name: [Full Legal Name] Address: [Full Physical Address] Contact: [Name/Phone]

CARRIER: Name: [Carrier Legal Name] MC/DOT #: [Identification Number] Address: [Carrier Address]

3. SHIPMENT DETAILS

• Date of Shipment: [Date]
• Purchase Order / Ref #: [Number]
• Total Weight: [Weight / Unit]
• Total Pallets/Units: [Number/Type]
• Special Instructions: [e.g., Refrigerated, Hazmat, Fragile]

4. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

1. Receipt of Goods: Carrier acknowledges receipt of the packages/cargo described herein for carriage subject to the conditions of this contract.
2. Standard of Care: The Carrier shall be liable for loss, damage, or delay to the goods occurring while in its custody, subject to the limitations of liability defined in the Carrier’s standard tariff or applicable federal/state statutes.
3. Inspection: Carrier reserves the right to inspect any shipment; however, the Carrier is not obligated to verify the contents of sealed containers.
4. Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction], and any disputes arising hereunder shall be adjudicated in the courts of the county of [County Name].
5. Indemnification: The Shipper warrants that the information provided is accurate. Shipper shall indemnify and hold the Carrier harmless from any claims arising from misdeclaration of goods or hazardous materials not disclosed.
6. Payment Terms: Freight charges are payable within [Number] days of delivery/invoice unless otherwise specified in a separate Master Service Agreement (MSA).

5. EXECUTION & SIGNATURES

FOR SHIPPER: Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [Title] Date: [Date]

FOR CARRIER (Acknowledging Receipt): Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: [Driver/Agent Name] Title: [Driver/Agent Title] Date: [Date]

6. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Drafting: Replace all bracketed [ ] text with precise data. Ensure the "Carrier MC/DOT #" matches the specific vehicle unit dispatched.
2. Verification: Upon loading, ensure the Driver/Carrier agent inspects the cargo for "apparent good order." Any exceptions (e.g., crushed boxes, wet pallets) must be noted on the face of the document before signatures are affixed.
3. Execution: Print three (3) copies:
   • Original: Retained by the Shipper for proof of shipment/accounting.
   • Copy 1: Stays with the Carrier for transit and delivery proof.
   • Copy 2: Given to the Consignee upon final receipt.
4. Proof of Delivery (POD): Upon delivery, the Consignee must sign and date the Carrier’s copy. The Carrier must obtain this signature to clear the bill for payment.
5. Retention: Store all executed BOLs in a secure, digital repository for a minimum of three (3) years to satisfy standard commercial audit requirements and potential freight claims.
6. Enforcement: In the event of damage or loss, file a formal notice of claim in writing within the timeframes specified by the Carrier’s tariff or federal law (typically 9 months for interstate surface transport).