Safety Blog: The Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is a contract; it is also a receipt.
As the bill of lading is a contract, it must be completed, accurately. Every field must be completed including vehicle description, VIN, type and amount of fuel, complete addresses for both shipper and consignee. This is the document which proves condition of the vehicle at release to you for delivery and at delivery.
Claims law is based on the bill of lading. It established vehicle condition at pick up and delivery. Basically, all freight claims filed with a motor carrier are the result of a delivery of a vehicle in worse condition than it was at pick-up.
This is why the pre-trip inspection is critical, and must be done carefully. It must include raising the hood and checking fluids – for a short trip can destroy an engine which has inadequate oil or coolant in it. It must also cover body condition – as a missing antenna, battery box cover, or body part not noted as missing at pick-up will be invoiced to us as a claim at delivery.
The law requires that we deliver a vehicle in the same condition that it was tendered to us; if we accept a damaged vehicle at pick up without noting the damage, we will pay for it at the end.