Bill of Lading Generator
Create professional BOLs instantly. Generate and download PDFs in seconds.
How the Bill of Lading Generator works
- Fill in the parties — ship-from (shipper), ship-to (consignee), and carrier details.
- Add your freight items — quantity, package type, weight, dimensions, NMFC/freight class, and description.
- Add reference numbers and terms — BOL #, PO #, PRO #, and whether the freight is Prepaid, Collect, or Third Party.
- Generate the PDF — download a clean, professional Bill of Lading ready to hand to the driver.
Why the BOL is the most important document on the dock
The Bill of Lading is three documents in one: a receipt proving the carrier took the freight, a contract of carriage setting the terms, and a document of title. Once it's signed, it's legally binding — which is why accurate freight descriptions, weights, class, and terms matter: they drive billing, liability, and how a claim is handled if something goes wrong.
Bill of Lading FAQs
What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
A Bill of Lading is the core document for a freight shipment. It serves three roles at once: a receipt for the goods, a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier, and a document of title. Carriers require one for every LTL and truckload pickup.
What information goes on a BOL?
The ship-from (shipper) and ship-to (consignee) names and addresses, carrier details, a description of the freight with quantities, weights, dimensions, and NMFC/freight class, reference numbers (BOL #, PO #, PRO #), and the freight payment terms.
What do Prepaid, Collect, and Third Party freight terms mean?
Prepaid means the shipper pays the freight charges; Collect means the receiver pays; Third Party means a separate party (often a broker) is billed. The BOL records which one applies to the shipment.
What is a PRO number?
A PRO number is the carrier's tracking number for the shipment, assigned by the carrier. Recording it on the BOL lets everyone track the freight through the carrier's system.
Is a Bill of Lading legally binding?
Yes. Once the carrier signs for the freight, the BOL is a legally binding contract of carriage and the receipt of goods. Accuracy matters — errors can affect liability and freight claims.
Is the Bill of Lading Generator free?
Yes — you can create and download a professional BOL as a PDF for free, right from your browser.
Related freight tools
- Freight Class Calculator — find the NMFC class for the BOL's freight lines.
- Linear Feet Calculator — estimate the trailer space your freight needs.
- Shipping Time Calculator — estimate transit time for the shipment.
- Get a freight quote — price and book the shipment on the BOL.