What happens when you get pulled over and you dont have a bill of lading on you?

I suppose if someone wanted to break into my truck and steal my BOLs then they could just reach in and take them, but my storage spaces seem to be secure enough to where any paperwork won't walk away or even move around on it's on. I've been considering some kind big notebook with pockets or files of some sort might be a better place for BOLs, or maybe even a file cabinet would be the best thing to have but I don't know where I'd put it.

 

Years ago, I would just have them sign off on the Packing list.

 

Why do you think the carrier has to hang on to it for a minimum of 12 months?? I'll find you the part of the act that spells it out.

By the way, the Carrier should always retain the Original copy.

 

Faster than a 2 dollar hooker on nickel night.

 

Hey you get the message....well part of it. I agree that it doesn't matter who wrote it, what count is that you as the CARRIER signed it and therefore legally, you ISSUED the BOL to the shipper stipulating the Conditions of Carriage.

 

Prairie Boy - I agree that I have to sign it. I just disagree that I have to have a BOL made out using a BOL from my company. If I sign the paperwork that's given to me, and take 2 copies, one for my company, and one for the receiver, then all is good. If I work for BillyBob Trucking, I do not need to have a BillyBob Trucking BOL filled out, if I have the right paperwork from the shipper in duplicate.

 

A BOL is a legal and binding document. It has many things on it that most drivers don't even know. FOB shippers dock means title changes at shippers dock. Or at delivery. Also COD charges. What will be accepted for payment. Certified check or company check ok. Also who is paying freight charges. Many other things can be included depending on the shipper's own bill. You should never move a shipment unless you have a signed BOL. Not a bill of sale or any other BS that someone tells you is OK. They're not the one going to get sued when the ducus hits the fan.

 

i have a system and it works darn near perfect. the company i work for (local) uses trip envelopes. all the drivers have them, and we also have UPS overnight airmail packages too so we can send in paperwork to get paid.

the envelope is what we do our trip detail with. it has lines for expenses, deadhead miles, fuel receipts, tolls logs etc.

you check the descriptive line, and if it is a monetary value, we have to fill in the line. everything goes in this envelope. on the front side, that is where you write out your trip planning, state by state.

the first column is the state, nest is the roads used, miles ran in that state and then fuel purchased in that state with the gallon amount.

when i am dispatched on a load, i grab a new envelope and write the trip number in the appropriate box, then plan my route, then i write that on the front. at this time, i also write my starting mileage in the correct location also. i then place this in my logbook, which stays in the overhead compartment.

i get to the shipper, do my thing, get papers, seal doors etc and as soon as i sit in the seat, i place all bills of lading in the envelope, make the correct line adjustments to the log book then i depart.

everything that i purchase during the trip is detailed on the envelope with all receipts placed inside. when i get to the receiver, i take paperwork to whomever, get unloaded then place all signed bills back in the envelope. i then doublecheck that all my expenses are listed, write the ending mileage down, put my completed logs in the envelope then i seal it shut and wait till i am back in town or if i am not going to make the payroll deadline by being home, i drop it in the UPS overnight envelope and all is good.

just take your time, check and doublecheck your trip information and come up with a system that works for you and do not deviate from that once you set the routine. i really like the envelops we use, as everything is listed on the thing so unless you cant read, you wont forget anything.

 

That cadallacdude is what a "trip sheet" is! It documents everything you spent for the company, your odometer numbers and your trip numbers or BOL numbers and your start and stop points. All the information that company wants for their accounting department! I like trip pack envelopes as I don't have to buy them out of my pocket!
It's an envelope so that's a good place to put every piece of paper you touch pertaining to the load. It keeps them all together and if you put it into your logbook cover It's at your fingertips for when stopped by the LEOs or when you get to your destination as you have to draw a line and get the BOL out to give to a guard or a receiver. it's all together and within arms reach so you don't have to go searching for it. If it a hazmat it needs to be in the door or within arms reach when you are sitting in the seat anyway.

As to someone stealing the BOL it's pretty much worthless to them unless they steal the load and if that happens they either have killed you, beaten you over the head and dumped you somewhere or duct taped your butt to the back wall of the sleeper! OR they managed to get your trailer from where you dropped it .
A BOL unless signed by the receiver is just another piece of worthless paper. They usually are NOT paid when the BOL is presented to the shipper, or broker.

If the load is stolen then the thieves really don't care about the BOL! They can write their own out of the pack of BOLs they bought at the truck stop or print their own up on their stolen computer and printer! They aren't going to be stupid enough to send in a stolen BOL for a stolen load! And do you think they really want your log book cover?? LOL

 

The paperwork has to indicate the Carriers name on it. I never sadi it had to be printed on by a print shop.