Understanding Your Bill of Lading (BOL)
What is a Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is an important legal document for your move. It acts as the official contract between you and the carrier.
The BOL includes:
- •Type and quantity of your belongings
- •Pickup and delivery locations
- •Final charges based on actual shipment size
- •First Available Delivery Date (FADD)
- •Terms and conditions of your move
Why Sign Both an Estimate and a BOL?
Estimate
- •Approximation of costs
- •Based on information before your move
- •Helps you plan and budget
- •Not the final contract
Bill of Lading
- •Official moving contract
- •Final charges based on actual shipment
- •Legally binding agreement
- •Receipt for your shipment
Important: Since the exact details (like weight and any extra fees) aren't known until your items are on-site and loaded, the estimate gives you a preview while the BOL provides the final, binding agreement.
Why does my BOL look blank?
Don't Worry—This is Normal!
Signing the BOL lets us know you're ready to get your move started. Without a signed BOL, the move can't legally take place because the estimate alone isn't a binding contract.
Why it starts blank:
The final details and charges are added at pickup, once your belongings are on-site and ready to load. This is when the carrier can accurately assess:
- ✓Actual cubic footage or weight
- ✓Any additional services needed
- ✓Access issues (stairs, long carries, etc.)
- ✓Final inventory list
When Do You Sign the BOL?
The BOL is signed three times throughout your move:
When You Book Your Move
Initial signature to agree to the moving service and estimated terms
At Pickup
Signature confirming the final charges, inventory list, and that your items have been picked up. Review this carefully!
At Delivery
Final signature confirming your items have been delivered and you've received them
Important Information on Your BOL
Final Charges
The BOL shows your actual moving costs, including any additional services or fees
FADD (First Available Delivery Date)
The date when your delivery window opens—found on the BOL
Carrier Information
The name of the motor carrier handling your move and who to make payments to
Inventory List
Complete list of items being moved with condition notes
Important Tips
Review carefully at pickup: Make sure all charges and inventory are accurate before signing at pickup
Keep your copy: Always keep a copy of your signed BOL for your records
Questions About Your Bill of Lading?
Submit a ticket if you have any questions about your estimate or BOL, and our team will provide clarification.
* Required fields. Our support team typically responds within 24 hours.