What is a Bill of Lading and why does it matter?

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the single most important document in the auto transport process. It serves as a contract between you and the carrier, a receipt of your vehicle, and a detailed condition report that documents the state of your vehicle at both pickup and delivery. The BOL is a legal document — the information recorded on it can be used in insurance claims, disputes, and legal proceedings.

At pickup, the carrier driver creates the BOL by inspecting your vehicle and noting all existing damage on a vehicle diagram using standard condition codes. Both you and the driver review the diagram together, agree that it accurately reflects the vehicle's current condition, and sign the document. You receive a copy, and the driver keeps the original. At delivery, the same process is repeated — the driver inspects the vehicle again, and any new damage is documented on the BOL. Your signature at delivery confirms the condition of the vehicle when it was returned to you.

Never sign a clean Bill of Lading at delivery if there is new damage. Your signature is essentially an acknowledgment of the vehicle's condition, and a clean BOL can be used to argue that no damage occurred during transport. If you notice anything new — even something minor — note it on the BOL before signing. Keep your copies of the BOL from both pickup and delivery in a safe place for at least 90 days, which is the typical window for filing a damage claim.