Bill of Lading
Definition
The receipt and contract issued by the mover at pickup that lists your inventory, delivery address, charges, and liability coverage. It is the most important moving document - keep a copy at all times.
The Bill of Lading (BOL) serves three functions in a move: it is a receipt confirming the mover has possession of your goods, a contract outlining the terms of the move, and an inventory of what was loaded. For interstate moves, the BOL is required by federal regulation.
The document includes: your name and contact info, origin and destination addresses, pickup and delivery dates, estimated or guaranteed charges, valuation coverage selected, and the descriptive inventory of all items loaded.
You will sign the BOL at pickup (confirming the inventory is accurate) and again at delivery (confirming everything was received). Note any damage or missing items on the BOL at delivery before signing. This contemporaneous record is critical if you need to file a claim.
Never sign a blank or incomplete Bill of Lading. Review every section and ask questions about anything you do not understand.