← Back to Glossary

What is Bill of Lading (BOL)

A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being shipped, and serves as a contract of carriage and receipt of shipment.

Real-World Example

When a manufacturer ships a truckload of auto parts to a distribution center, they issue a Bill of Lading that outlines the shipment's contents, destination address, and delivery terms, and the carrier signs it upon pickup.

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

What We Do

MET CO is a logistics provider built for speed, precision, and growth. We specialize in cross-docking, short-term warehousing, and wholesale distribution, with a strong track record in the grocery and automotive sectors.

As our clients scale, so do we—expanding into eCommerce fulfillment, value-added services, and just-in-time delivery. Our operations are designed to handle both bulk and high-frequency inventory with minimal friction and full visibility.

Whether you need rapid turnarounds, zone-based storage, or reliable outbound execution, MET CO acts as an extension of your supply chain—lean, fast, and aligned to your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What key information must be included in a Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading typically includes the names and addresses of the shipper and consignee, description of goods, number of packages, weight, freight class, handling instructions, and payment terms.

Is a Bill of Lading a negotiable document?

Certain types of Bills of Lading, such as 'order BOLs,' are negotiable and can be transferred to another party through endorsement, often used in international trade.

Who is responsible for issuing the Bill of Lading?

The carrier (or a third-party logistics provider acting on their behalf) usually issues the Bill of Lading at the time goods are received for transport.

Loading form...