Q: Where can I get a free bill of lading template? → A: Download the free blank bill of lading (PDF) below and print it, or use the fillable BOL generator on this page to type in your shipment details and produce a ready-to-print BOL — both are formatted for U.S. LTL (less-than-truckload) freight, and both are completely free.
A free bill of lading template is the fastest way to get a clean, carrier-ready BOL in hand without paying for shipping software or retyping the same form for every pallet. This page gives you two tools: a downloadable blank BOL PDF you can print and fill by hand, and a browser-based fillable BOL generator that turns your entries into a finished PDF in one click. Everything runs on your device — nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.
If you just need the form, grab the download in the next section. If you want the full walkthrough of what each field means and why it matters, our pillar guide on the bill of lading covers the document end to end.
Key Takeaways
- Two free tools, no signup: a printable blank BOL PDF and an in-browser fillable BOL generator.
- Built for LTL freight: the layout follows the U.S. straight bill of lading used by less-than-truckload carriers — pieces, weight, NMFC/class, and accessorials all have a place.
- Private by design: the generator works entirely in your browser, in memory only. It never saves or transmits your shipment data.
- Straight vs short-form: the same template covers both — the short form simply omits the printed rate-and-classification block.
- Reusable: print as many copies as you need, or regenerate a fresh PDF for every shipment.
Download a Free Blank Bill of Lading (PDF)
The blank template below is a standard U.S. straight bill of lading (short form) laid out for LTL freight. It includes every field a carrier expects: Date and BOL number, Ship From and Ship To, a Third Party Bill-To block, Carrier details, and a description grid with columns for handling units, package type, weight, HM (hazardous materials), NMFC number, and freight class — plus special instructions, a C.O.D. line, and the shipper, carrier, and consignee signature blocks.
Prefer to skip the paperwork entirely? When you book LTL through ParcelPath, we auto-generate your BOL from the shipment you enter, so the form is filled and formatted for you. You can still use this blank template any time you need a document to complete by hand.
How to Use the BOL Generator
The fillable generator below builds your BOL right in your browser. Type your shipment details into the fields, then click Download filled BOL (PDF) to save a print-ready document, or Print to send it straight to your printer. There is no account and no upload — your entries live only in this browser tab, in memory, and disappear the moment you close or refresh it. That means it is safe to use for real shipper and consignee addresses.
Use it like this:
- Fill the Ship From and Ship To blocks with complete names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Enter the freight details — pieces (handling units), package type, total weight, and your NMFC number and freight class.
- Add any special instructions such as liftgate, appointment, or notify-before-delivery, and a C.O.D. amount if one applies.
- Click Download to get your finished PDF, then print two copies — one for the driver, one for your records.
Fillable Bill of Lading Generator
Fill in your shipment, then download or print a ready-to-use BOL. Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Prefer not to fill anything at all? Skip the form — ParcelPath auto-generates your BOL when you book LTL across 22+ carriers, so the document is created from your shipment automatically. Start an LTL freight quote to see how it works.
How to Fill Out the Template (Field by Field)
Here is the short version of what goes in each block. For the complete explanation of every field, the legal weight of the document, and how to avoid re-billing, see our full bill of lading guide.
- Date & BOL number: the pickup date and your own reference number for the shipment.
- Ship From / Ship To: complete origin and destination names, addresses, and contact phone numbers.
- Third Party Bill-To: only if someone other than the shipper or consignee is paying the freight charges.
- Carrier: the LTL carrier's name (and SCAC code if you have it).
- Pieces / handling units: how many pallets, crates, or skids the driver will physically handle.
- Package type & weight: the packaging (pallet, crate, drum) and the accurate total weight in pounds.
- NMFC & freight class: the commodity's NMFC number and its freight class. Accuracy here is what keeps your invoice from being re-rated at the terminal.
- Special instructions: note any accessorial services such as liftgate, inside delivery, or an appointment.
- C.O.D. & signatures: a collect-on-delivery amount if applicable, then signature lines for shipper, carrier, and consignee.
Before you fill anything in, make sure the freight itself is ready. Our checklist on how to prepare LTL shipments walks through palletizing, labeling, and measuring so the numbers on your BOL match what the driver picks up.
Straight BOL vs Short-Form BOL Template
People often ask which template they need. In practice, both come from the same document.
- Straight bill of lading: the standard non-negotiable BOL for a shipment moving from one shipper to one consignee. It is the most common form in LTL freight and is what most people mean by "a BOL."
- Short-form bill of lading: the same straight BOL with the lengthy printed terms-and-classification block left off the back. It references the carrier's published rules by incorporation instead of printing them, which keeps the page cleaner. The front-side fields are identical.
The template on this page works as either one: it captures all of the straight-BOL fields on a single page in the short-form style. Unless your carrier hands you a specific pre-printed form, this template is accepted for standard LTL pickups. (A negotiable "order" bill of lading — used when title transfers on delivery — is a different, rarer document and is not what most LTL shippers need.)
Can I Print and Reuse It?
Yes. The blank PDF is yours to print as many times as you like — keep a small stack by the packing bench so a form is always ready. The generator produces a fresh PDF for every shipment, so there is no limit and nothing to buy.
A few practical tips for reuse:
- Print at least two copies of every completed BOL — one travels with the driver, one stays in your records.
- Do not reuse a completed BOL for a different shipment. Each load needs its own accurate weight, class, and count; carriers can inspect and re-rate mismatches.
- Keep your copies at least through the claim window. If freight is lost or damaged, the signed BOL is your proof of what shipped and its condition.
- Fill it in dark ink or type it so every terminal that handles the freight can read the class and count clearly.
What to Do After You Complete Your BOL
A completed BOL is the paperwork — the next step is getting the freight moving. Once your form is filled and printed:
- Get a rate and book a carrier. Compare LTL options and schedule a pickup with an LTL freight quote.
- Schedule the pickup window with 24–48 hours of lead time, and have the freight staged and labeled.
- Hand the driver a copy of the BOL and keep one for yourself; note any exceptions before signing.
- Track the PRO number the carrier assigns so you can follow the shipment to delivery.
ParcelPath brokers LTL freight across 22+ vetted carriers through our PalletPath freight arm, and auto-generates the BOL from your shipment when you book — so you can hand off the paperwork entirely if you prefer. Get your LTL freight quote →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bill of lading template really free?
Yes. Both the downloadable blank BOL PDF and the in-browser fillable generator are completely free, with no account, no signup, and no watermark. Print or generate as many as you need.
Does the BOL generator save or send my shipment information?
No. The generator runs entirely in your browser and holds your entries in memory only. Nothing is written to storage and nothing is transmitted to any server, so it is safe to enter real shipper and consignee details. Closing or refreshing the tab clears everything.
What is the difference between a blank BOL and a fillable BOL?
A blank BOL is the empty PDF you print and complete by hand. A fillable BOL lets you type the details first — here, the generator takes your typed entries and produces a finished, print-ready PDF. Use whichever fits how you work.
Can I use this template for LTL freight?
Yes — it is designed for LTL. The layout follows the U.S. straight bill of lading that less-than-truckload carriers expect, with fields for handling units, package type, weight, NMFC number, freight class, and accessorial instructions.
Do I need to include the freight class and NMFC number?
For LTL freight, yes. The freight class and NMFC number determine how the shipment is rated. Leaving them off or entering them incorrectly is the most common reason a carrier re-rates a BOL at the terminal and adjusts the invoice. See our freight class guide to look yours up.
What is a short-form bill of lading?
A short-form BOL is a straight bill of lading that omits the full printed block of terms and classification rules, referencing the carrier's published tariff instead. The fields you complete are the same. The template on this page works as a short-form BOL.
How many copies of the BOL do I need?
Print at least two: one for the driver to carry with the freight and one to keep for your records. Keep your copy at least through the carrier's claim window in case you need to document loss or damage.
Can ParcelPath create the BOL for me?
Yes. When you book LTL through ParcelPath, we auto-generate the bill of lading from the shipment details you enter across 22+ carriers, so you do not have to fill out the form manually. You can start an LTL freight quote to see it in action.
Part of our Bill of Lading guide. Related: Freight Class Codes, LTL Freight Quote.
