Importance of a Bill of Lading

Hiring a moving company is not as simple as renting a truck and a few extra hands. You must draw up and sign certain documents for the safety and insurance of your possessions and the protection of your moving company.

One of these documents is the Bill of Lading (BOL) and is one of the most important documents you will sign during your move. Keep reading to learn more about this important document and why it’s essential to your move.

What Is a Bill of Lading?

A bill of lading is a binding document given to you by the movers. It’s like an itemized receipt detailing what items are on the moving truck, how they are being moved, and when they are scheduled to arrive. It gives the moving company legal temporary possession of your valuables.

The bill of lading is possibly the most important moving document, so ensure it doesn’t get lost. Keep it out of your moving goods and in a spot you’ll remember.

Both you and the mover will sign the bill of lading. Examine the document thoroughly before signing it! If you have any questions, contact your mover.

Requirements in a Bill of Lading

A bill of lading should contain the following details:

• Name and address of your mover, along with the names and addresses of any other companies participating in your move
• Contact information for your mover and other companies, including vehicle IDs
• Pick-up and delivery times and dates
• The final price for your move
• Method of payment, either check or credit card
• The address of the destination
• An itemized list of goods on the moving truck

If any information is missing, contact your mover.

Why Is a Bill of Lading Important?

The BOL is primarily important for legal purposes. It protects both the customer and the moving company in case of an accident by documenting the agreed-upon terms. As the customer, you can take legal action if the company violates your BOL (such as missing or damaged items). It also protects the moving company against false claims by the customer.

How Do I Know if My Bill of Lading is Sufficient?

Although it’s a legal document, BOLs should be written clearly and able to be understood by those outside the moving industry. Read the document carefully (or even a few times!) to note any discrepancies or errors. Remember, the BOL is a binding document, and errors can’t be disputed after signing. Write down any questions, and don’t sign the document until you’re confident you understand it completely.

If you’re unsure about terminology or sections of your BOL, a quality moving company should explain your BOL to you without hesitancy. It’s a red flag if your moving company is reluctant or unable to explain the BOL.

Peavler Moving & Storage is here to help with all your moving needs. We organize our bills of lading clearly so you can easily understand them. If anything is unclear or you’d like to add a service at the last minute, we are pleased to answer any questions and assist with modifying the bill of lading.

And if you need to store some or all of your valuables in the process of your move, choose our quality storage units!