What fields must I include?

Required fields for filing a freight claim: Damage/shortage notation on POD, photos of freight, packing list reference, claim form.

Is this BOL legally binding?

Yes — under 49 USC §14706 (Carmack Amendment) and 49 CFR §373.101 the BOL governs interstate carrier liability and is enforceable as the contract of carriage.

Can I file a claim using this BOL?

Yes — exceptions noted on the consignee's signed copy (POD) form the basis for freight claims under Carmack.

What fields must I include?

Required fields for filing a freight claim: Damage/shortage notation on POD, photos of freight, packing list reference, claim form.

Is this BOL legally binding?

Yes — under 49 USC §14706 (Carmack Amendment) and 49 CFR §373.101 the BOL governs interstate carrier liability and is enforceable as the contract of carriage.

Can I file a claim using this BOL?

Yes — exceptions noted on the consignee's signed copy (POD) form the basis for freight claims under Carmack.

Filing a Freight Claim

How to use the BOL to file a freight claim.

Generate your BOL

Free · No signup · PDF download · VICS-format

Form type

BOL NumberShip DateFreight Charge TermsMaster BOL?Includes underlying BOLs

Ship From (Shipper)

Name *ContactPhoneEmailAddress line 1Address line 2City

StateZIPFOB

Ship To (Consignee)

Name *ContactPhoneEmailAddress line 1Address line 2City

StateZIPFOB

CarrierCarrier nameSCACPRO #Trailer #Seal #

Line items

Line 1

HU qtyHU typePkg qtyPkg typeWeight (lb)Hazmat?Yes (X)

Description

NMFC #Class

Density-based class lookup (L × W × H + weight)

Length (in)Width (in)Height (in)Weight (lb)

Third-party billing (optional)

NameContactPhoneEmailAddress line 1Address line 2City

StateZIPFOB

Customer order section (optional)

No customer orders. Add one if your shipment references PO numbers.

CoD + special instructions

CoD amount ($)CoD fee terms

Special instructions

Loaded by / counted by (carrier section)

Trailer loaded byFreight counted by

Signatures (optional)

Shipper signature

Sign here

Date

Carrier signature

Sign here

Date

Consignee signature

Sign here

Date

Tool-output, not legal advice. Verify NMFC classes and hazmat declarations before signing.

Overview

The BOL establishes carrier liability under Carmack Amendment. Notations (damaged, short, refused) on the consignee copy are the basis for claims.

Key fields

Damage/shortage notation on POD
photos of freight
packing list reference
claim form

Common mistakes

Signing 'received in good condition' without inspection, no exception noted on POD.

Filing a Freight Claim — FAQs

What's special about a filing a freight claim BOL?: The BOL establishes carrier liability under Carmack Amendment. Notations (damaged, short, refused) on the consignee copy are the basis for claims.
What fields must I include?: Required fields for filing a freight claim: Damage/shortage notation on POD, photos of freight, packing list reference, claim form.
What are common mistakes?: Signing 'received in good condition' without inspection, no exception noted on POD.
Is this BOL legally binding?: Yes — under 49 USC §14706 (Carmack Amendment) and 49 CFR §373.101 the BOL governs interstate carrier liability and is enforceable as the contract of carriage.
Can I file a claim using this BOL?: Yes — exceptions noted on the consignee's signed copy (POD) form the basis for freight claims under Carmack.

Related guides and concepts

Owner-Operator Shipment
BOL practices for owner-operators
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment
How to fill out a BOL for an LTL shipment
Hazardous Materials Shipment
How to fill out a hazmat BOL
Electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL)
House BOL vs Master BOL
What is a Bill of Lading?