What Is A Bill of Lading?

Explaining Moving Terms

In simple terms, the bill of lading is the document that serves as the contract between you and the moving company. They are legally required to give you a copy of the bill of lading (also known as BOL) and you must receive it before any of your belongings are loaded for transport. It’s important to note that it is your responsibility to read over the bill of lading and the terms of service detailed therein before you accept it. Once you have signed it, the bill of lading becomes an official contract between you and the transporting firm so look it over carefully. The BOL is similar to an Order for Solution in that it includes all of the pertinent details that relate to your shipment, which we will cover below.

While you should carefully look over all of the information included in the BOL, there are some details that deserve more of your attention than others. For example, the pickup and delivery dates that you’ve agreed upon with the moving company should match what is listed. The terms and conditions of the shift should also match with what you’ve discussed with the mover, as well as the amount to be charged. Whether your agreement with the shifting corporate involves a binding or non-binding agreement, the amount you’ll be charged should be outlined. You should not sign and accept it until you have verified that all of the information it contains matches with your expectations.

Make sure that you keep your copy of the BOL in a safe place since it serves as your official contract. You should not discard it until all payments have been made to the moving organization and you’re satisfied that the job has been carried out as discussed and without any loss or damage to your belongings. If you do have a dispute with the movers, either for damage, loss, or breach of contract, they will serve as the main document that you’ll use to make your case.

Three Movers has years of experience in the hauling industry, from helping people move across town to relocating them across the country! We proudly offer FREE estimates to all of our clients and our expert staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today at (888) 202-0036 to learn more about what we offer, or if you’d like to get started with a FREE price quote right away!

What Information Should Be Included In the BOL?

There are a number of things that should be included in the BOL, most of which pertain to the agreement you’ve made with the transporting company. Remember that any promises or arrangements made over the phone or through email are not official if they’re not listed. Here are the basic elements that should be included:

• The name and address of the hauling organization, as well as any other relocating firm that will operate on their behalf in the moving of your goods
• The name, address, and telephone number that you can use to contact the movers in the event that you need to communicate with them before, during, or after your move
• The agreed upon form of payment, which must be the same as that listed in the Order for Service
• Your name, address, and telephone number if the move is being executed under a payment-on-delivery arrangement
• The pickup and delivery dates you and the relocation corporate have agreed upon
• Any financial penalty assessed to the movers if they do not meet pickup and shifting dates (applies to guaranteed shifts)
• The date of pickup of your belongings, whether the same or different from previously agreed
• Registration numbers for any trucks or other vehicles used in transporting your items
• Any minimum or maximum charges the moving company can assess

• Proof of insurance coverage for your goods
• Type of estimate (binding or non-binding), Order for Service, and inventory of your items
• Your liability protection (whether you’ve chosen full value protection or not)