What Is a Bill of Lading When You Ship a Car?

A bill of lading (BOL) is the document the carrier issues when you ship a car. It is a receipt for your vehicle, a condition report that records any existing damage, and a record of the shipment, and you sign it at pickup and again at delivery.

If you are shipping a car for the first time, the driver will hand you a document at pickup called the bill of lading, often shortened to BOL. It is easy to sign it quickly and wave goodbye to your car. But the bill of lading is the most important piece of paper in the whole shipment, and a few minutes spent on it at pickup and delivery can save you a lot of trouble later.

Here is what a bill of lading is, what is on it, and how to handle it at both ends of the trip.

What a bill of lading is

The bill of lading is issued by the carrier, the company whose driver and truck actually move your car. It does three jobs at once:

• A receipt. It shows the carrier has taken your vehicle.
• A condition report. It records what the car looked like when it was picked up, including any existing scratches, dents or chips.
• A record of the shipment. It lists who is involved and where the car is going.

You sign it at pickup, and you (or the person receiving the car) sign it again at delivery. Because it records the vehicle's condition at both ends, it is the document everyone looks at if there is ever a question about damage.

What is on a typical car shipping BOL

Layouts vary from carrier to carrier, and many now use an app with photos instead of paper. Most include:

• Names and contact details for the shipper, the receiver and the carrier
• Pickup and delivery addresses
• The vehicle's year, make, model, color and VIN
• A diagram of the car where the driver marks existing damage
• Notes about the vehicle, such as whether it runs
• Signatures and dates at pickup and at delivery

At pickup: inspect the car together

The pickup inspection sets the starting point for everything that follows, so take your time with it.

1. Start with a clean car. Dirt hides scratches. Washing the car a day or two before pickup makes the inspection more accurate. Our guide to preparing your vehicle for shipping covers the rest of the prep.
2. Walk around the car with the driver. Do it in good light if you can. Look at every panel, the bumpers, the glass and the wheels.
3. Check that every mark is noted. If you see a chip or dent the driver has not marked, ask them to add it. If they mark something you do not agree with, talk it through before you sign.
4. Take your own photos. Photograph every side of the car, close-ups of any existing damage, and the odometer. Your phone adds the date and time automatically.
5. Never sign a blank or incomplete form. Read it before you sign it.
6. Keep your copy. Make sure you get a paper copy or an emailed copy before the truck leaves.

At delivery: inspect before you sign

Delivery is where the bill of lading matters most. When you sign at delivery, you are generally confirming that the car arrived in the condition shown. That makes the delivery inspection the step you do not want to rush.

• Do the same walk-around you did at pickup, before signing anything.
• Compare what you see with the pickup BOL and your own photos.
• If you find new damage, write it on the bill of lading before you sign, and make sure the driver sees it.
• Photograph the damage right away, with the truck in the background if possible.
• Contact your transport company as soon as you can, while the details are fresh.

If the car arrives after dark, use a flashlight or a well-lit spot. A note on the BOL at the time of delivery is much stronger than a phone call days later.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Signing without reading. It only takes a minute, and it protects you.
• Sending someone unprepared. If a friend or family member will release or receive the car, walk them through these steps first and make sure they know to note damage before signing.
• Losing your copy. Keep the BOL and your photos together until you are sure everything is fine.
• Leaving belongings in the car. Personal items are usually not listed on the bill of lading, and they can shift in transit. Ask before you pack anything.

How the BOL fits with the rest of your paperwork

When you book through a broker like FCT Transport & More, you will have your quote and booking details from us, and the carrier we arrange will issue the bill of lading at pickup. The carrier's insurance is a separate topic, and our car shipping insurance guide explains how coverage works. The BOL is the condition record that ties it all together, which is why it deserves a careful look.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues the bill of lading?

The carrier, the company whose driver and truck actually move your car. When you book through a broker like FCT, the carrier we arrange issues the bill of lading at pickup.

What is on a car shipping bill of lading?

Most include names and contact details for the shipper, the receiver and the carrier, the pickup and delivery addresses, the vehicle's year, make, model, color and VIN, a diagram where the driver marks existing damage, notes about the vehicle, and signatures and dates at pickup and delivery.

What should I check before signing at pickup?

Walk around the car with the driver, make sure every existing mark is noted, take your own photos, never sign a blank or incomplete form, and keep your copy before the truck leaves.

What if my car arrives with new damage?

Write it on the bill of lading before you sign, make sure the driver sees it, photograph the damage right away, and contact your transport company as soon as you can.

Can a friend or family member release or receive the car?

Yes. Walk them through these steps first and make sure they know to note damage before signing.

Questions before you ship?

If you are not sure what to expect on pickup day, we are happy to walk you through it. Request a quote online, or call FCT Transport at (980) 552-1101. A real person gets back to you.