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Auto Transport Bill of Lading: Everything You Need to Know
The auto transport bill of lading (BOL) is the main piece of paperwork you’ll deal with when shipping a car. Think of it as your car’s receipt, contract, and condition report all rolled into one. It proves the carrier picked up your vehicle, shows the agreement you made, and records the car’s condition at both pickup and delivery.
This document matters because it protects you if anything happens during transport. If your car shows up with a scratch or dent that wasn’t there before, the bill of lading is the proof you’ll need to file a claim. Without it, there’s no clear record to back you up.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we’ll answer the questions vehicle owners ask most about the auto transport bill of lading, including:
What exactly is the bill of lading in car shipping?
Why does it matter, and when will you use it?
How does it work at pickup, during transport, and at delivery?
Overview
What Is an Auto Transport Bill of Lading?
An auto transport bill of lading (BOL) is the official document that proves a carrier received your vehicle for transport. It’s the contract between you and the shipping company, and it doubles as a detailed report of your car’s condition at pickup and delivery.
Here’s what the bill of lading does for you:
Serves as a receipt: Proves the carrier accepted your vehicle for shipping.
Acts as a contract: Outlines the agreement between you and the carrier.
Records vehicle condition: Documents scratches, dents, or other damage before and after transport.
Supports insurance claims: Gives you proof if you need to file for damages.
Requires signatures: Both you (or an authorized person) and the driver sign at pickup and delivery.
Think of the vehicle bill of lading as your car’s “before and after” record. Without it, there’s no official way to prove damage occurred during shipping or to back up a claim.
When You’ll Use a Car Bill of Lading
You’ll use the bill of lading at different points along the journey:
At Pickup: You and the driver walk around the car, note its condition, and sign the form.
While in Transit: Drivers may need to show the document at weigh stations or checkpoints.
At Delivery: You repeat the inspection, compare the condition to the pickup notes, and sign again.
The bill of lading also plays a big role if you ever need to make an insurance claim. Without it, it’s much harder to prove that damage happened during transport.
What’s On the BOL (Field-by-Field, With Examples)
Every auto transport bill of lading follows a similar structure. Knowing what to expect helps you check that nothing important is missed.
Here’s what you’ll usually see on the form:
Vehicle details: Year, make, model, VIN, whether it runs, and notes about modifications (like lift kits or roof racks).
Locations & contacts: Pickup and delivery addresses, delivery windows, and names of authorized signers.
Carrier & shipper details: Company name, MC/USDOT numbers, dispatch number.
Condition diagram & notes: Space to mark scratches, dents, cracked glass, curb rash, or interior wear.
Odometer reading: Sometimes recorded at pickup and delivery.
Keys & accessories: Confirmation of keys and any extras provided.
Terms & exclusions: Liability limits, what isn’t covered (like personal items or weather damage).
Signatures & timestamps: Required from you (or your authorized person) and the driver at both pickup and delivery.
Think of this as a checklist. If something isn’t included or noted, ask the driver to add it before you sign. This protects you if questions come up later.
Types of BOL You’ll See in Car Shipping
Not every bill of lading looks the same. Depending on your shipment, you may see one of these versions:
Clean BOL: No damage is recorded at pickup. This means the car was in good condition when handed over.
Soiled (or Claused) BOL: Notes pre-existing damage such as dents, scratches, or broken glass.
Dispatch BOL: Issued after the vehicle is loaded, confirming it’s on the carrier and transport has started.
Combined Transport BOL: Used if your vehicle changes hands between carriers or transport modes, such as a port handoff.
Electronic BOL (eBOL): A digital version that can be signed on your phone or computer.
For extra context, here are a few terms you may see if you’re comparing information online:
Straight Bill of Lading: Released only to the named person.
Order Bill of Lading: Can be transferred to someone else with proper endorsement.
Bearer Bill of Lading: Anyone holding the document can claim the shipment.
Sea Waybill: Common in ocean shipping, not used for car transport within the U.S.
eBOL: Digital Signatures, Security, and Speed
Many carriers now offer an electronic bill of lading (eBOL). Instead of handling paper, you receive a link by text or email and sign from your phone.
Benefits of eBOL
Faster handoff: No paperwork delays at pickup or delivery.
No lost forms: Everything is stored digitally.
Easy sharing: You can forward the document to family members, agents, or insurance providers.
Audit trail: Digital records track the time and place of signatures.
What to Expect
You’ll receive a secure link by SMS or email.
Identity may be confirmed through a quick ID check.
You sign with your finger on a phone or tablet.
Privacy and Security
Reputable carriers protect your personal data and keep records only as long as needed. eBOLs reduce the risk of lost or altered documents, giving you the same legal protection as a paper version.
How the BOL Works: Pickup, In Transit, and Delivery
The bill of lading follows your vehicle through every step of the shipping process. Here’s how it works from start to finish.
Pickup Inspection
Arrive with a clean car so damage is easier to see.
Take 10 to 12 clear photos: front, back, both sides, roof, wheels, interior, and under the front bumper if it’s low.
Walk around the car with the driver. Make sure all marks and notes are recorded on the bill of lading.
Add your own notes if something is missing.
Sign the form only after everything matches your photos.
In Transit
The bill of lading acts as the driver’s manifest while your car is on the move.
If stopped at weigh stations or checkpoints, the carrier may need to show the document.
No changes are made to the form while the car is in transit.
Delivery Inspection
Take another set of photos, matching the same angles as your pickup pictures.
Compare the car’s condition to what’s listed on the bill of lading.
If you spot new damage:
Note it directly on the form.
Take close-up photos.
Keep a copy of the bill of lading.
Sign “received with exceptions.”
Contact support or claims right away, following the timeline given by your transport company.
Common Bill of Lading Discrepancies (and How to Avoid Them)
Even though the bill of lading looks simple, rushing through it can lead to problems later. Here are the most common mistakes people make, and how you can avoid them:
Signing before inspecting: Always walk around the car and take photos before signing. Slow down, even if the driver seems in a hurry.
Skipping small areas: Damage often hides on wheels, roofs, or bumpers. Use a simple 12-photo routine to cover every angle.
Not writing down disagreements: If you don’t agree with what’s marked, write “received with exceptions” on the bill of lading before signing.
Leaving personal items in the car: Most carriers don’t cover personal belongings, and extra weight can cause issues.
Letting the wrong person sign: Only you or someone you’ve authorized in advance should sign. Otherwise, you may lose the right to claim damages.
Claims and Disputes: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even with a careful process, damage can sometimes happen during transport. The bill of lading is your best tool for handling it quickly and fairly.
Steps to Take if You Find Damage
Note it on the bill of lading: Write down the damage clearly before signing at delivery.
Take photos or videos: Capture the damage from different angles for proof.
Keep a copy of the bill of lading: This will be needed for your claim.
Contact your transport company’s claims department: Report the issue within the time frame they provide (often within hours of delivery).
Include key details: Provide your order number, the signed bill of lading, and your photos.
What Happens Next
The carrier reviews your claim along with the bill of lading and photos.
They compare the pickup condition to the delivery condition.
Timelines vary, but the process usually involves carrier approval, insurance review, and resolution.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Car With the Bill of Lading
The auto transport bill of lading may seem like routine paperwork, but it’s much more than that. It’s the document that protects your car, confirms your agreement, and proves its condition from pickup to delivery. By taking a few extra minutes to review it carefully, add notes, and take photos, you give yourself peace of mind and a solid record in case anything goes wrong.
Need to Ship a Car?
At AmeriFreight Auto Transport, we carefully vet every carrier we work with to ensure they’re fully licensed, insured, and meet our high standards for safety and reliability. When you ship with us, you’re not only getting transport but peace of mind, backed by a dedicated team that supports you from start to finish.
Get a personalized quote now or talk with one of our expert advisors to see how we help coordinate secure, stress-free vehicle shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the functions of a bill of lading?
A bill of lading functions as a receipt, a contract, and a record of your vehicle’s condition.
Can someone else sign for me at pickup or delivery?
Yes. You can authorize another person to sign, but their name must be listed on the bill of lading.
Can I sign electronically?
Many carriers now use eBOLs that allow you to sign on your phone or computer.
Do I need to be present at both pickup and delivery?
Not always. You can assign an alternate signer, but they must be listed on the form.
Are personal items covered?
No. Most carriers exclude personal belongings left in the car from liability.
What if the driver won’t note my concern?
Write it on the bill of lading yourself and take photos before signing.
How long should I keep a copy of the BOL?
Keep it until you’re confident no claim is needed, ideally, several months after delivery.
Do I need a BOL for enclosed vs. open transport?
Yes. The bill of lading is always required, no matter the type of carrier.
Will the odometer be recorded?
Sometimes. Some forms include an odometer reading, but not all carriers use this field.
How quickly must I report a claim?
Report it as soon as possible, usually within hours of delivery, as required by your carrier.
