Free Bill of Lading Generator

Generate a legally binding Straight Bill of Lading (BoL) for LTL and FTL freight. 100% private, client-side PDF creation.

Customer Order Information

Live BoL Preview

BILL OF LADING

STRAIGHT BILL OF LADING - SHORT FORM
Date:
Bill of Lading No:
Freight Terms: Prepaid

SHIP FROM (Shipper)

Company Details...

SHIP TO (Consignee)

Client Details...

Carrier Name: -
Trailer / Container: -
Seal Number: -

Special Instructions:

Handling
Units (Qty)
Package
Type
Weight
(LBS/KG)
Commodity Description NMFC / Class
SHIPPER CERTIFICATION:
This is to certify that the above named materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation.
Shipper Signature Date
CARRIER CERTIFICATION:
Carrier acknowledges receipt of packages and required placards. Carrier certifies emergency response information was made available and/or carrier has the DOT emergency response guidebook or equivalent documentation in the vehicle.
Carrier Signature / Driver Date

The Ultimate Free Bill of Lading (BoL) PDF Generator

In the world of logistics, moving freight without a Bill of Lading (BoL) is like driving a car without a license plate. Whether you are shipping an LTL (Less Than Truckload) pallet across the state, or coordinating a massive ocean container from overseas, the BoL is the most important legal document in the transportation industry.

Creating this document manually in Word or downloading un-editable image templates leads to frustrating errors and rejected shipments by carriers. Our Free Bill of Lading Generator allows shippers, 3PL warehouses, and Amazon FBA sellers to instantly generate a legally binding "Straight Bill of Lading" in a clean, professional PDF format.

100% Secure & Client-Side: Your carrier contracts, warehouse addresses, and freight details are strictly confidential. Our tool processes your BoL entirely within your web browser. We never upload your PDF to an external cloud server, guaranteeing total data privacy.

What is a Bill of Lading and Why is it Mandatory?

A Bill of Lading is far more than just a shipping label. It serves three distinct, legally binding purposes in supply chain management:

  • A Receipt of Goods: When the truck driver picks up your freight, they sign the BoL. This signature proves that the carrier has taken physical possession of your items in good condition.
  • A Document of Title: Depending on the type of BoL, it dictates who legally owns the goods while they are in transit. (Our generator creates a "Straight BoL," meaning the freight is non-negotiable and goes directly to the listed Consignee).
  • A Contract of Carriage: It outlines the agreement between the Shipper and the Carrier, detailing the terms of the freight charges (Prepaid vs. Collect) and special delivery instructions.

Freight Class and NMFC: The Keys to Accurate Pricing

When filling out the "Customer Order Information" section in our generator, you will see a column for Class / NMFC. If you are shipping LTL freight within the United States, this is the most critical column on the form.

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) assigns a "Freight Class" (ranging from Class 50 to Class 500) based on your cargo's density, stowability, handling, and liability. If you leave this blank, or guess the class incorrectly, the carrier will re-weigh and re-class your shipment at the terminal, resulting in massive surprise fees and delayed deliveries.

Combine Your BoL and Commercial Invoice

For international shipments, customs brokers require your Bill of Lading, your Commercial Invoice, and your Packing List to be submitted together. Because our tool generates a standard, high-quality PDF, you can easily combine these documents into a single file. To merge your PDF documents securely and for free, visit our sister platform at gkpdf.com.

Bill of Lading & LTL Freight: Frequently Asked Questions

A Straight Bill of Lading (which this tool generates) is a non-negotiable document. It means the freight has already been paid for (or does not require payment upon delivery) and must be delivered directly to the specific Consignee listed on the document. It cannot be transferred to a third party.
Traditionally, the Shipper (the company sending the goods) prepares the Bill of Lading and hands three copies to the truck driver upon pickup. However, if you are using a 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) provider or a freight broker, they may generate the BoL for you.
"Prepaid" means the Shipper is responsible for paying the carrier's freight charges. "Collect" means the Consignee (the receiver) is responsible for paying the carrier upon delivery. "3rd Party" means a different billing entity (like a freight broker) will pay the invoice.
Generally, no. Small parcel couriers (like standard FedEx Ground or UPS) use their own proprietary shipping labels with barcodes that act as the receipt. A formal Bill of Lading is required for LTL (palletized freight) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipments.
Industry standard requires printing at least three copies. One copy is kept by the Shipper as a receipt, one is kept by the Carrier for their billing department, and one copy travels with the freight to be signed by the Consignee upon delivery as Proof of Delivery (POD).
No. This tool is built with 100% Client-Side technology. Your freight details and addresses are processed locally within your own web browser. The PDF is generated directly on your device, ensuring maximum security and data privacy for your supply chain.