A Bill of Lading (BOL) in trucking is a legal document that acts like a receipt and contract between the shipper, the carrier (trucking company), and the receiver.
Here’s how it’s used:
Created by the shipper – It lists what’s being shipped, where it’s going, and who is supposed to receive it.
Given to the driver – The truck driver picks up the freight and receives the BOL, which they carry during transit.
Acts as proof – It proves the carrier has picked up the freight and agrees to deliver it as described.
Signed at delivery – The receiver signs the BOL when the shipment arrives, confirming it was delivered in good condition.
In short, a BOL tracks the shipment from start to finish and protects everyone involved.
How to Generate a Bill of Lading
Super easy! Bill of Lading's are generated as soon as you add at least one Pickup and one Delivery to a load.
If you need a quick walkthrough on the load building process, please visit our How to Build a Load Help Guide, below.
How to Download, View or Send (Email) a Bill of Lading
From the Load Management screen, right-click on the load you want to access the BOL from (this action will display a Shortcut Menu), and click on the View or Send Load Docs
You will be taken to the following screen where you will see the Bill of Lading.
Simply click on the Bill of Lading. You will see the following options available to you:
Preview/Process Doc
Download Doc
Email Doc
Preview/Process Doc - allows you to preview the document and (optional) attach the document to additional entities within your AscendTMS
Download Doc - downloads the document to your computer (or any other device you're accessing AscendTMS from)
Email Doc - allows you to email the BOL to any contacts/parties needed
How to Customize Your Bill of Lading Documents
Begin by locating the Settings tab within your AscendTMS main menu
From within Settings, locate the Report & Documents Section and click on Edit the Default Settings for Bill of Lading Documents
The following screen will appear, giving you the ability to customize the Terms and Conditions, along with the ability to customize the Footer of the Bill of Lading document
