What Does A Bill Of Lading Do When Shipping A Car

Many people who ship a car for the first time are new to this process. They will likely come across terms they don't know as they go through the process. One such term is the "bill-of-lading", also known as BoL. Although this term is commonly used in the auto transport industry, as well as other shipping and freight sectors, it is not something most people are familiar with. Let's find out more about the bill of lading, which is an important document in shipping a car.

What is a Bill of Lading and how does it work?

A bill of lading, which is a legal document, is important because it specifies the vehicle to be transported, its destination and who will transport it. The bill of lading also contains detailed information about the vehicle's condition before it is given to the transport company. After that, the vehicle's condition is documented again before it can be handed to the owner. This document is essentially a legal contract between the owner and the transport company. Before shipping, the law requires that an auto transport company prepare a bill-of-lading. This bill of lading acts as a receipt and is required by insurance companies in the event that a claim needs to be made on a vehicle shipped. The auto shipping company should prepare this document and both the driver and owner of the vehicle must have a copy before shipment.

What information is included in the Bill of Lading

The bill of lading must include six pieces of important information. These are:

• Shipping Company Details - The bill should state which transport company will be handling the shipment, as well as the address and contact numbers of each party. This information should also be included if the vehicle is transferred to another carrier.
• Pickup & Delivery Information- Every BoL should include the exact time, date, and location of pick up, as well as the estimated delivery date and delivery location.
• General Vehicle Information- The BoL should contain information about the vehicle being transported, including the year, make and model, color, license plate numbers, and VIN numbers.
• Vehicle Condition-The vehicle must be inspected by the owner and the driver of the truck before it can be shipped. The BoL should indicate any physical damage, such as scratches, marks, or dents. The same inspection will take place upon delivery. Any damage to the vehicle should be reported immediately. This information is necessary for insurance claims.
• Terms and Conditions and Payment Information- The BoL should include information about the payment method used as well as any advance payments or deposits. The BoL should also contain any terms and conditions that were agreed to.
• Signature- Finally, the BoL must be signed by the vehicle owner, driver, and shipper before the vehicle may be shipped.

The bill of Lading, an important legal document, protects the vehicle owner and the shipping company from damage, fraud payment, or fraudulent insurance claims. The bill of lading is required by law. It allows the shipping company to transport one’s vehicle from one place to another. It serves as proof of transportation and must be signed at the time of pickup and delivery.