What the BOL Is

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal document issued by the carrier at the time of vehicle pickup. It serves three functions: it's a receipt confirming the carrier has taken possession of your vehicle, a contract of carriage outlining the terms of transport, and a condition report documenting the vehicle's state at pickup. The BOL is created in duplicate — one copy for you, one for the carrier — and is signed by both parties at pickup and again at delivery.

The Condition Report

The most critical section of the BOL is the condition report. This is a diagram of the vehicle where the driver marks any existing damage — scratches, dents, chips, cracks, missing parts. At delivery, the same diagram is updated with any new damage. The delta between pickup and delivery condition is the basis for any damage claim. If damage exists at pickup and is not noted on the BOL, you will have difficulty proving it occurred during transport.

What to Check Before Signing at Pickup

Walk around the vehicle with the driver. Point out every existing mark, no matter how small. Verify that the driver marks each one on the BOL diagram. If the driver pre-fills the BOL or marks it as 'clean' without inspecting, do not sign until corrections are made. Take your own photos of the vehicle and the signed BOL. A careful pickup inspection takes 10 minutes and can save you thousands in disputed claims.

What to Check at Delivery

At delivery, inspect the vehicle against the pickup BOL before signing the delivery copy. Check all the areas noted at pickup and look for any new damage. If new damage is present, note it on the delivery BOL before signing. Do not sign the delivery BOL as 'received in good condition' if there is damage — once you sign clean, your claim becomes significantly harder to pursue. Photograph any new damage immediately.

Filing a Claim

If damage occurred during transport, you have a claim against the carrier's cargo insurance. File the claim within 48 hours of delivery. You'll need: the pickup BOL showing no pre-existing damage in the affected area, the delivery BOL showing the new damage noted, photographs from both pickup and delivery, and a repair estimate from a body shop. Your broker should assist with the claims process — at Conveyed, we handle the carrier communication and documentation on your behalf.