Please check your commodity entries. Package counts must be positive integers and weights must be nonnegative numbers. Third-party freight requires a billing name and address.
STRAIGHT BILL OF LADING
SHORT FORM | ORIGINAL | NOT NEGOTIABLE
Received, subject to individually determined rates or contracts that have been agreed upon in writing between the carrier and shipper, if applicable, otherwise to the rates, classifications, and rules that have been established by the carrier and are available to the shipper, on request.
BOL #:
Date:
Terms:Prepaid
Carrier:
PRO #:
Trailer / Seal:
Shipper (From)
Shipper name
Consignee (Ship To)
Consignee name
Bill Freight Charges To (3rd Party)
Special handling & delivery instructions
Declared value:
Units
Type
Gross Weight (lb)
H.M.
Commodity Description & Marks
NMFC #
Class
—
TOTAL UNITS
—
Shipper Certification: This is to certify that the above named commodities are properly classified, packaged, marked, and labeled for transport according to applicable commercial carrier regulations. Non-hazardous shipment.
Shipper SignatureDate
Carrier Acceptance: Carrier acknowledges receipt of packages and condition of goods described above in apparent good order, except as noted. Non-hazardous shipment.
Carrier / Driver SignatureDate
Your draft is saved in this browser only. No shipment data is uploaded or sent to any server.
How it works & common questions
What is a Straight Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is the fundamental legal document in freight shipping. It serves three distinct purposes:
A receipt: Proves the freight carrier took custody of your cargo from your loading dock in the described quantity and condition.
A contract of carriage: Sets out the terms and conditions under which the carrier agrees to transport the goods to the destination.
A document of title: A “straight” bill of lading is non-negotiable, meaning the goods can only be delivered to the specified consignee named on the document.
A worked example
Suppose you ship 4 wooden pallets of packaged food items weighing 400 lbs each (1,600 lbs total) via an LTL carrier:
Handling units: 4 pallets.
Commodity description: Packaged dry food goods. Enter the classification supplied for your shipment; this tool does not assign one.
Gross weight: Always include the pallet tare weight (typically 35 to 50 lbs per wooden pallet) in the total gross weight. 4 pallets at 400 lbs each = 1,600 lbs total weight.
Signatures: Both the dock shipper and the carrier driver must sign and date the document at pickup. Keep the signed Shipper copy on file for proof of shipment.
Common mistakes
The most common freight disputes arise from missing or incorrect NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) codes and freight classes, resulting in costly carrier reclassification fees. Never guess weight; always weigh pallets on a calibrated scale including pallet tare and wrap. If shipping hazardous materials, strict DOT regulations require certified packaging, emergency response phone numbers, and specific placard notices; this tool is designed for non-hazardous general freight.