Bill of Lading (BOL)

The BOL is a multi-part form completed twice — once at pickup, once at delivery. The driver inspects the vehicle, diagrams any pre-existing damage (scratches, dents, chips, dings, scuffs, glass cracks), records the odometer reading, photographs the vehicle, and lists the carrier's name, MC/DOT number, insurance information, and transport terms. You sign at pickup acknowledging the recorded condition. At delivery, you and the driver compare the vehicle's current condition against the pickup BOL and you sign again confirming receipt — or noting any new damage before the driver leaves.

In the field, BOL inspections take 8–15 minutes per vehicle at both pickup and delivery. Carriers walk the vehicle once with a flashlight, diagram on a paper or digital form, and request your countersignature. The pace is faster than most customers expect — being prepared (camera ready, vehicle clean enough to inspect, lighting adequate) is the single biggest factor in catching pre-existing condition correctly.

A customer ships a 2023 BMW X5 from New Jersey to Boca Raton. At pickup the driver notes one small chip on the front bumper. At delivery in Florida the customer is in a hurry and signs the BOL without inspecting. Two days later they notice a fresh dent on the rear quarter panel. Because the delivery BOL was signed 'no exceptions', the carrier's insurer denies the claim — there is no documented proof the damage occurred during transit. The same scenario with the customer noting the dent on the BOL before signing would result in a covered claim.

• Receive a printed or digital copy of the pickup BOL immediately after the driver completes inspection.
• Be physically present (or have a representative present) for both pickup and delivery inspection.
• Have 10–15 minutes to review the vehicle at delivery before signing — never feel rushed.
• Keep both the pickup and delivery BOL on file for at least one year after delivery.

• Customers often believe a verbal walkthrough is equivalent to a written BOL note — it is not. Only what's written counts.
• Many assume a digital photo from their phone replaces the BOL itself — photos supplement the BOL but do not replace it.
• Some expect the carrier to file the claim on their behalf — the customer initiates, the broker advocates, the carrier's insurer adjudicates.