The bill of lading is your record of what’s shipping – but a BOL alone doesn’t prove the pickup is legitimate. Here’s how to verify a BOL properly, and the one step most brokers miss.
What to check on the BOL
- Shipper and consignee details match the order.
- Description, weight, and piece count are accurate.
- Carrier name, MC, and DOT numbers match the carrier you booked.
- Pickup and delivery locations are correct.
- Signatures and dates are present and consistent.
The step the checklist misses
Every item above can look perfect on paper while an unauthorized carrier walks off with the load. Document checks confirm information, not reality. The only way to know the right carrier physically picked up the load is to verify the pickup itself.
GPS-locked BOL verification
With a GPS-locked QR code on the BOL, the driver scans at pickup and the location and timestamp lock to the document. Now your verification includes proof of who and where – not just what.
| Check | Paper BOL | GPS-locked BOL |
|---|---|---|
| What’s shipping | Yes | Yes |
| Who picked up | No | Yes |
| Where & when | No | Yes |
TrackBOL: free to start, $19.95-$29.95/month, built for small brokers and 3PLs.
Verify every pickup
Confirm the real carrier before freight leaves the dock. Free to start.
