FedEx BOL (what it is, how it works + more)

FedEx BOL (what it is, how it works + more)

If your business requires freight, you may have heard of bills of lading (BOL) before. This form is a receipt for freight services as a contract between the freight carrier and the shipper.

Therefore, given the importance of this document, it is essential to understand how it works, when it is required, and how to complete it. You can find all these answers in this article!

What is the FedEx Bill of Lading in 2022?

A FedEx Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document used to ship LTL in 2022. A bill of lading contains information about the cargo, including its contents, origin and destination. Plus, it’s both a receipt and a shipping label. FedEx allows shippers to fill out a paper version of the form or online.

Knowing how to fill out the bill of lading form is important for accurate shipping, so be sure to check out our step-by-step instructions later in the article!

What is a FedEx Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a required document when shipping less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments via FedEx.

BOL acts as a legal contract of carriage between the shipper, FedEx and the recipient.

In addition, this form contains detailed information about the shipment, including its contents, origin and destination.

In addition, it includes the purchase order number, other reference numbers, and shipping classification.

Finally, the bill of lading is used to calculate charges and act as a receipt and shipping label.

When do I need a FedEx BOL?

A shipping label, also known as a bill of lading, is a required document for all domestic and international less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.

If you’re shipping domestic LTL shipments, you can fill out a paper bill of lading or create a shipping label online.

What are the options for completing the FedEx BOL?

As mentioned above, FedEx gives you two options when filling out your bill of lading – a paper form or an online form.

If you would like to complete a paper version of the BOL, please download the blank form, fill in the editable fields and print.

Alternatively, you can print the form and fill it out manually. To fill out shipping labels online, log into your FedEx account and create the required labels.

How do I fill out the FedEx BOL form?

Completing a bill of lading can be a daunting task if you’re new to shipping. This form requires a lot of information that needs to be accurate, especially since it is legally binding.

So please fill out the form accurately using these step-by-step instructions:

1. date. Enter the month, day, and year that FedEx ships or picks up the shipment.
2. purchase order#. Enter the purchase order number you received from the consignee/recipient (consignee) or buyer.
3. sender#. Enter the reference number provided by the shipper.
4. required (select service type). Choose a shipping service for your shipment. If speed is important, choose FedEx Freight Priority; if saving is your goal, choose FedEx Freight Economy.
5. Optional (guaranteed shipping option). If required, please select a money-back guarantee for your delivery (fees and duty restrictions may apply).
6. Shipper Section. Enter your name, FedEx Freight account number, note designation, phone number and address.
7. consignee section. Enter consignee/recipient’s name, FedEx Freight account number, note designation, phone number and address.
8. Optional or additional service fees and charges. Available options include liftgate, internal delivery or limited access delivery.
9. Shipper’s Bill of Lading#. Enter the bill of lading number provided by the shipper to reference the shipment information.
10. Custom delivery window. Only complete this section if your delivery request is not standard shipping.
11. Special Note. This is an optional part of the package that requires extra attention.
12. Include shipping. If billing to a third party, please list a representative who is different from the shipper or consignee who will pay for shipping.

Include their contact information and FedEx Freight account number (if known).

1. Shipping is prepaid unless marked as collect. Check this box if payment should be charged upon delivery.
2. COD section. Enter the COD amount and currency type. Check the boxes indicating how the funds should be collected and who pays the COD fee.
3. remitting cash on delivery. Enter the address to which cash on delivery should be sent (if different from the address above).
4. Processing Unit (H/U). Enter the number of units to load (e.g. 3 pallets)
5. H/U packaging.type. Enter the type of transport unit (e.g. crate, pallet, drum)
6. piece. Enter the total number of pieces (such as boxes or items on a pallet) contained in the shipment.
7. HM (X). If the shipment contains hazardous materials, please mark this column with an “X” or “RQ” (Reportable Quantity).
8. Package type, item description, special markings and exceptions. Add information about the type of shipping unit, cargo contents, markings (e.g. keep upright, glass) and special instructions (e.g. call before delivery).
9. Weight (lbs). Enter the total weight of each item, including the crate or pallet.
10. NMFC project#. Enter the National Motor Freight Classification Item Number for the item type.
11. class. Enter the number assigned by the NMFC to obtain the correct rating.
12. cube. Enter the cubic feet of the shipment: (L x W x H) inches, divided by 1,728.
13. Total H/U. Enter the total number of handling units (such as pallets or drums) in the shipment.
14. HM Emergency Liaison Section. If transporting dangerous goods, please provide the emergency contact number for dangerous goods and the name or contact number of the supplier.
15. Note (1). Enter the declared value of the shipment. When rates are value-dependent, you must clearly state the agreed or declared value of the shipment.
16. Notes 2). If applying for Excess Liability Cover (ELC), please state the new or old condition of the item and the amount of coverage applied for.
17. For international shipments, please include the agent’s name, fax and telephone number. Add an exception Electronic Export Information (EEI) number.
18. For freight collect shipments. If you do not want to be held liable for the carrier’s inability to collect freight from the consignee at the destination, please opt-in to this non-recourse clause.
19. Shipper Certification. If the shipment contains hazardous materials, please sign and date this field. Signature indicates that the material is packaged, labeled, classified, and marked in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
20. Carrier certification. FedEx drivers must sign this field if the shipment contains hazardous materials. This indicates that the shipment is DOT compliant.

This section also includes the date, the driver’s employee number, the number of pieces in the shipment, and the shipping trailer number (for hazardous material shipments).

Can I use the bill of lading number to track FedEx packages?

You can use the bill of lading number to track FedEx packages; please note that you may have to wait a day or more to see tracking updates.

This wait time occurs because a paper bill of lading must be manually entered into FedEx’s system before it can be tracked.

Instead, if you fill out the shipping form online, you can start tracking your shipment as soon as it leaves the door.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on FedEx Customs Forms, FedEx Claims Forms, and FedEx Dangerous Goods Forms.

in conclusion

While shipping with FedEx can be daunting at first, we hope this article answers some of your most pressing questions. If you still have any questions, please call FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.463.3339.