The Importance Of A Bill Of Lading | Part 1

What Is A Bill Of Lading?

A Bill Of Lading (BOL) is a legal document between the shipper of particular goods and the carrier detailing the type, quantity, date of direct shipment and destination of the goods being carried. The Bill of Lading also serves as a receipt of shipment when the goods are delivered to the predetermined destination. This document must accompany the shipped goods, no matter the form of transportation, and must be signed by an authorized representative from the carrier, shipper and receiver. The carrier or the shipper can complete it, but the driver of the transport company is to sign and date it once the goods are on-board.

Importance Of A Bill Of Lading | Part 2

What Does Customs Look For On A Bill Of Lading?

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires to know:

• The number of pieces
• Total weight, and
• Date of direct shipment for each shipment on board

The number of pieces, total weight and date of direct shipment is a requirement for the declaration made by the Importer of Record/Customs Broker. It is highly recommended that you provide a copy of the Bill of Lading to the Importer of Record/Customs Broker so that the information can be confirmed against the corresponding invoice(s) being declared. If it is not provided to the Customs Broker, the carrier must still advise by other means, the number of pieces, total weight and date of direct shipment.

A carrier must always make the Bill of Lading available to a CBSA officer in the event it is requested.