Every successful shipment begins with the right paperwork—and at the center of it all is the Bill of Lading (BOL). This essential legal document outlines the details of goods being transported, serving as a shipment receipt, transport contract, and title of ownership all in one.
To help businesses and logistics professionals maintain compliance and clarity, we’ve compiled 35+ free Bill of Lading templates in PDF and Excel formats. Whether you’re shipping freight domestically or internationally, by truck, sea, or air, these ready-to-use forms simplify documentation and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
✔️ What Is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is a standardized document issued by a carrier to a shipper, confirming the receipt of cargo for transport. It includes:
- Names and addresses of the shipper and consignee
- Description of goods (weight, quantity, dimensions, etc.)
- Shipping terms and conditions
- Carrier details and signature
- Pickup and delivery instructions
- Date and reference numbers
The BOL acts as proof of shipment, a document of title, and a legally binding contract between shipper and carrier.
✔️ Why Use a Bill of Lading Template?
Creating a Bill of Lading manually can lead to missing key details or inconsistent formatting. Using a pre-designed template ensures:
✅ Accurate documentation with all required fields
✅ Standardized format for logistics and compliance
✅ Faster form creation and fewer delays
✅ Professional appearance for clients and customs
✅ Easy digital sharing or printing
These free templates streamline your shipping operations and supply chain communication—no matter your industry.
✔️ What’s Inside the 35+ Free Template Collection?
Our curated selection covers a wide variety of logistics needs:
📄 Standard BOL Forms
- Straight Bill of Lading (non-transferable)
- Order Bill of Lading (transferable via endorsement)
- Short-form and long-form versions
- Blank printable BOLs for fast manual use
📊 Excel Bill of Lading Templates
- Editable fields for itemized cargo, weight, and declared value
- Auto-calculation for totals and cargo summaries
- Templates for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipments
- International BOL templates with Incoterms and customs info
📁 PDF Templates
- Printable BOL forms for field or warehouse teams
- Clean designs for freight brokers, 3PLs, and carriers
- Download-and-fill BOLs for cross-border or air cargo use
- Templates with signature sections and barcode areas
All templates are professional, compliant, and fully editable—ready for printing or digital use.
✔️ How to Use a Bill of Lading Template
- Download the template (Excel or PDF) that fits your shipping method
- Enter shipper and consignee information
- Add a detailed description of the cargo (units, weight, volume)
- Specify pickup and delivery locations
- Include freight charges, terms, and special instructions
- Review and sign (digital or print signature)
- Send a copy to the carrier, shipper, and receiving party
With Excel versions, you can also save the template as a master file and update fields for every new shipment.
✔️ Tips for Customizing Your BOL Forms
☑️ Add your company logo and contact info for branding
☑️ Use dropdown lists in Excel for freight class or carrier types
☑️ Include a barcode or QR code for digital scanning
☑️ Pre-fill common shipping lanes to save time
☑️ Add Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW) if shipping internationally
☑️ Keep a digital archive of completed BOLs for audit or claims
Proper documentation protects your shipment and reduces risk in case of disputes or loss.
✔️ Who Should Use These Templates?
These BOL forms and templates are ideal for:
☑️ Freight forwarders and logistics companies
☑️ Warehouse and fulfillment centers
☑️ Exporters and importers
☑️ E-commerce businesses shipping bulk orders
☑️ Manufacturers and wholesalers
☑️ Transport carriers (truck, rail, air, or sea)
☑️ Customs brokers and freight agents
No matter your role in the supply chain, a clear and complete BOL helps you move goods with confidence.
➡️ Download and Ship with Confidence
In logistics, details matter. A missing signature or wrong address can cost time, money, or even clients. These free Bill of Lading templates give you the structure and clarity to keep your shipments organized and legally sound.
👉 Download 35+ Free Bill of Lading Forms and Templates in Excel and PDF now.
Document your freight. Protect your cargo. Deliver with precision.
Because great logistics starts with great paperwork.
