Bill of Lading Generator
Fill in a straight bill of lading for an LTL freight shipment, with commodities, NMFC class and signature lines.
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Printable straight bill of lading
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<div><h1>Straight Bill of Lading</h1><p class="muted">Ship date: 2026-09-30</p></div>
<div class="box"><p><strong>Example Freight Lines</strong></p><p class="muted">Freight terms: prepaid</p></div>
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<div><h2>Shipper (from)</h2><p><strong>Harbour & Co Warehouse</strong></p><p class="muted" style="white-space:pre-line">48 Quay Street
Cork, Ireland</p></div>
<div style="text-align:right"><h2>Consignee (to)</h2><p><strong>Wren & Co Distribution</strong></p><p class="muted" style="white-space:pre-line">12 Baker Street
London, UK</p></div>
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<h2>Commodities</h2>
<table><thead><tr><th class="num">Units</th><th>Package</th><th>Description</th><th>NMFC #</th><th class="num">Class</th><th class="num">Weight (lb)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td class="num">6</td><td>Pallet</td><td>Boxed apparel</td><td>73120</td><td class="num">92.5</td><td class="num">480</td></tr><tr><td class="num">2</td><td>Carton</td><td>Accessories</td><td>69800</td><td class="num">100</td><td class="num">60</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div><span>Total handling units</span><span>8</span></div>
<div class="grand"><span>Total weight</span><span>3000 lb</span></div>
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<h2>Special instructions</h2><p class="muted">Liftgate required at delivery. Call ahead.</p>
<div class="sig"><div>Shipper signature / date</div><div>Carrier signature / date</div><div>Consignee signature / date</div></div>
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</html>Print 3 copies: one for the shipper, one for the carrier, one for the consignee. Most LTL carriers also add their own bill of lading number when their dispatcher books the load.
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What a straight bill of lading covers
A straight bill of lading is the shipping contract and receipt for a specific LTL (less-than-truckload) freight shipment: who's sending it, who's receiving it, what's in it, how much it weighs, and who pays. It travels with the shipment and gets signed at pickup and delivery.
- Handling units and package type: how the freight is packaged, for example 6 pallets or 2 cartons.
- NMFC number and class: the National Motor Freight Classification code and class the carrier bills against. A higher class costs more per pound, mostly reflecting density and how easily the freight is damaged.
- Freight terms: prepaid (you pay), collect (the receiver pays) or third-party billing.
Using it with a carrier
- 01
Confirm the NMFC class with your carrier
Getting the class wrong is a common source of reclassification fees after pickup. If you're not sure, ask your freight broker or carrier to confirm it before the shipment moves.
- 02
Print 3 copies
One for the shipper, one that travels with the driver, and one for the consignee to sign at delivery.
- 03
Add the carrier's own BOL number
Most carriers assign their own tracking or BOL number when the load is booked. Add it to Special instructions once you have it.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between a bill of lading and a packing slip?
A bill of lading is the freight carrier's shipping contract and receipt, covering an entire LTL shipment, often multiple boxes or pallets on one truck. A packing slip lists the contents of one box for the customer receiving it.
Do I need this for parcel shipments (USPS, UPS, FedEx small packages)?
No. A bill of lading is for LTL and full truckload freight. Small parcel shipments use a shipping label instead.
What is freight class?
A number from 50 to 500 set by the NMFTA that reflects how dense, how easily damaged, and how easy to handle a commodity is. It's one of the biggest factors in LTL freight pricing, alongside distance and weight.
Who fills in the bill of lading, the shipper or the carrier?
The shipper usually prepares it, since they know the commodity and weight, then the carrier's driver and the consignee both sign to confirm pickup and delivery.
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Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
