Bill of Lading

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A document generated by a shipper, detailing a shipment of merchandise, giving title to the goods, and requiring the carrier to release the merchandise to a named party at the destination.  The tracking number assigned to a BOL is collected by Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CBP) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help track the movement of the shipment in U.S. commerce.  In the absence of a BOL, a waybill number may be used.