A bill of lading is a document a vehicle mover or transport company prepares when transporting property. The document is legally binding and lists the items you’re moving and the details of all involved parties. A bill of lading also serves as a contract between you as the shipper and the moving company. Here’s more about the bill of lading and why it is needed:
What Is a Bill of Lading?
When you hire a vehicle mover, the hauler prepares a bill of lading document to accompany your car throughout transit. The document is signed by an authorized representative from the mover, shipper, and consignee. A mover is the moving company you hire to transport your car or cargo. The shipper is the term used to refer to you as the party providing the property being shipped. A consignee is the party receiving the property at the final drop-off location. A bill of lading is prepared after you book the moving services and provide details of your car or cargo.
The document is released when your property leaves the pickup location. Bill of lading documents include the details of the parties involved, including the names, contacts, and addresses. The bill of lading also describes the cargo, including what it is, its weight, volume, and size. Other details include terms of payment, pickup location, drop-off location, and bill type.
Why Is a Bill of Lading Needed?
Movers use a bill of lading to process the items they’re shipping. These documents play many roles, serving as a title of ownership, contract, and receipt. A title of ownership is a document that allows the holder to claim legal ownership of the property. The moving company’s driver or the representative accompanying the trailer holds the bill of lading. This document gives them legal ownership of the property throughout transit. If contentions arise, the document can prove who has legal ownership.
Traffic officials may also request the bill of lading document if issues or traffic violations occur during transit. As a carriage contract, the bill of lading shows that the property is being hauled from one location to another. The bill details the mover’s responsibility to the other parties and provides a way to contact the shipper. As a receipt, the document acknowledges that the carrier has received the cargo. The bill also represents the terms, conditions, and liabilities of the involved parties and is the undisputed proof of shipment.
How Is a Bill of Lading Used?
Bill of lading documents are used in various ways, including during litigations, contentions, and lost property cases. The primary use of a bill of lading is to provide a legally binding contract and evidence of the transaction you have with the mover. Some deliveries require producing the original bill before you receive the property. The bill serves as evidence in litigations, providing details of involved parties, locations, timestamps, transactions, and other information. As the property owner, make sure the original bill has accurate information.
Movers use the bill of lading to segregate duties and facilitate internal control. If a cargo is lost during transit, the mover can refer to the original bill to identify involved personnel. Lost and found items can also be traced back to their carriers and owners. The documents also feature agreed-upon terms and conditions, so you can use them to raise concerns about policy violations. If your cargo arrives later than the release date indicated on the bill of lading, seek an explanation and possible compensation for the inconvenience.
Find a Reliable Vehicle Mover Today
Working with an auto mover involves determining the accuracy of a bill of lading. If you’re shipping a car or cargo with the help of a moving company, make sure you review the terms and details included in your bill of lading. Contact a vehicle mover today to learn more about car shipping services, contracts, and bills.