Bill of Lading Template + How to Fill One (Free PDF)

A bill of lading (BOL) is the legal document that travels with a freight shipment. It is a receipt for the goods, a contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and (for negotiable BOLs) a document of title.

What every BOL must contain

• Shipper name, address, contact
• Consignee name, address, contact
• Carrier name, SCAC code, pro / tracking number
• BOL number and date
• Itemized goods: pieces, weight, NMFC code, freight class
• Hazmat designation (if applicable)
• Freight charge terms — prepaid, collect, or third-party
• Signatures: shipper, driver, consignee

How to fill out a bill of lading

1. Enter shipper and consignee with full address and phone.
2. Add carrier name, SCAC, and pro number from the carrier's BOL.
3. List each commodity: pieces, weight, NMFC, freight class.
4. Mark hazmat (HM) if any item is hazardous.
5. Pick freight terms: prepaid (shipper pays), collect (consignee pays), or 3rd-party.
6. Driver signs at pickup; consignee signs (and notes exceptions) at delivery.

Straight BOL vs negotiable BOL

A straight BOL is non-negotiable — the named consignee receives the goods. A negotiable (order) BOL is a document of title and can be transferred by endorsement — common in international ocean freight.

Truck bill of lading template

For domestic LTL trucking, use the standard VICS/NMFTA format. The free BOL template follows that layout — download it in Word, or export a PDF from the online generator.