How to Read an LTL Bill of Lading (BOL)
The bill of lading is where the shipment you prepared becomes the shipment the carrier is being asked to move. The safest approach is simple: make the document agree with what is physically on the dock.
What a BOL does
A bill of lading identifies the parties, describes the freight, records shipment details, and carries the instructions and terms needed to tender the shipment. Carrier-specific forms vary, but the core idea is the same: the paperwork should describe the freight the carrier is actually receiving.
The fields worth checking
| Field | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Ship from | Correct pickup name, address, ZIP code, and contact information. |
| Ship to | Correct consignee, delivery address, ZIP code, and contact information. |
| Handling units | Count and type: pallets, skids, crates, cartons, or other pieces. |
| Description | A plain-language description that actually matches the commodity being tendered. |
| Weight | The actual shipment weight used for the quote and rating, including the handling unit when applicable. |
| Dimensions | Dimensions required by the carrier/rating workflow, matching the finished handling unit. |
| NMFC/class | Use verified classification information when applicable. Do not invent an item number or class. |
| Services | Liftgate, residential, limited access, appointment/notification, inside service, or other requested conditions. |
| Special instructions | Instructions that materially affect pickup, handling, or delivery. |
Why the details matter
Old or incomplete information can create a mismatch between the quote and the shipment. A taller pallet, different weight, wrong destination type, or missing service requirement can change what the carrier actually has to handle. Old Dominion's current BOL guidance, for example, identifies shipper/consignee information, handling-unit quantity and type, commodity description, weight, and NMFC/class for LTL as important fields.
Do not copy the product listing into the BOL blindly
A product page describes the item. A BOL describes the shipment. If a table is sold as a 36-inch-high product but the packed pallet is 48 inches high, the BOL and quote should use the shipment facts required by the carrier — not the catalog dimension.
Do not invent classification information
If you know the applicable NMFC item and class, use the verified information. If you do not, say that you need the classification confirmed. Rate Farm can calculate a density-based estimate, but the official NMFC classification depends on the applicable item and its provisions.
Do a final dock-side check
- Count the actual handling units.
- Confirm the shipment's weight and dimensions.
- Confirm pickup and delivery addresses.
- Confirm requested accessorials.
- Make sure the commodity description matches the freight.
- Make sure the BOL and quote describe the same shipment.
- Keep a copy of the signed documents according to your carrier's process.
Sources: Old Dominion's LTL guide and Old Dominion's BOL field guidance. Carrier forms and required fields vary; use the carrier's current instructions.