How to fill out a car hauler bill of lading (BOL)

What a car hauler BOL includes

• Carrier name, MC and USDOT numbers, driver and truck
• Load or order number, broker or customer, pickup and delivery dates
• Origin and destination with contacts
• Each vehicle: year, make, model, VIN, color and odometer
• Condition report at pickup and at delivery, with damage codes
• Signatures of the shipper, the receiver and the driver

You can print our free car hauler BOL template.

At pickup

1. Check that the VIN on the car matches the order.
2. Walk around the car in the same order every time and write every scratch, dent and chip with its location and code (for example “RF door S” for a scratch on the right front door).
3. Take photos of all sides, the interior, the odometer and each damage spot. Use our inspection checklist.
4. Have the shipper read and sign, print their name and the time.

At delivery

1. Before unloading the next car, inspect again and note anything new in the delivery column.
2. Have the receiver sign before you leave. If they refuse to sign, write that on the BOL and take photos.
3. Collect COD payment if required (see COD vs COP).
4. Send the signed BOL with your invoice to the broker the same day.

Common mistakes

• Writing “dirty, unable to inspect” without photos. Take photos anyway.
• Skipping the roof and the lower panels.
• Letting the receiver sign before the inspection is finished.
• Losing the paper copy. Photograph the signed BOL right away, or use an electronic BOL.

Questions