When it comes to an industry as large and complex as freight shipping, there are all manners of documentation that ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods all across the world.
At the core of all of this is the Bill of Lading, or BOL.
Even the most novice freight shippers will have at least some experience with BOLs, and yet it’s easy to lose sight of just how important a role they play in the shipping journey.
With more and more ClickShippers utilizing LTL at Checkout, we thought it was time to dive into what a BOL is, and why it just might be the most important shipping document you use.
A Bill of Lading (BOL) plays a crucial role in the shipping process for eCommerce businesses.
It serves as a legally binding contract between the shipper, carrier, and consignee, outlining the agreement for transporting goods from one location to another.
For eCommerce business owners, understanding the significance of BOLs and their contents is essential.
A BOL contains all the necessary information to ensure a safe and successful shipment. When examining a BOL, you can expect to find the following details:
Source: Wikipedia
BOLs hold significant importance for eCommerce businesses due to their contractual nature. Here are three key reasons why BOLs are crucial:
In short, if your business sells and ships big-ticket goods via LTL, having a fundamental understanding of BOLs and their role in the freight shipping process will help you to reduce potential returns and provide a clearer shipping experience for your customers.
Source: Oxford Dictionary
When dealing with international shipments, additional regulations apply to BOLs. To ensure compliance, consider the following points:
By understanding the importance of BOLs and their international implications, eCommerce businesses can optimize their shipping processes and ensure a seamless experience for both sellers and buyers.
No matter how much you know about the inner workings of it, freight shipping can be a hassle.
Our multi-mode eCommerce shipping platform integrates with major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, and partners with the leading North American freight and parcel carriers to offer discounted shipping rates, end-to-end tracking, and so much more, all with zero startup and monthly fees!