Original bill of lading

We've shifted away from requiring the originals. You can fax them over or send them in if you like, but we also include our accounting staff's email as a point of contact to send over scanned copies. It's smoothed out the process since I've been here.

 

I've seen a few rate cons that asked for them. I didn't oblige but rather sent them scanned versions along with my invoice instead. No issues yet. I'm considering turning down runs that require them in the future though.

 

I just checked. Out of 186 loads I did since I got my MC, I had to send originals only twice. I still keep them all, of course.


edit reason: not 286 (originally) but 186 - typo

 

Out of curiosity, what is the benefit of having the original copy sent in? As long as a scanned copy/the submitted copy is legible is it needed? Is that requested to ensure it is legible?

 

Oh...I think there are many creative Carriers - Scoundrels / BOL counterfeiters who compromised their loads (damages, thefts, etc) and hope to get away with that. The originals could show traces of some "photohsoping", retouching, whitewashing etc.

 

What @TallJoe said, chiefly. I'm pretty good at spotting fudged paperwork, but that makes it even easier.

 

What happens if the originals are lost in the mail? If the Agreement states they won't pay until 25 days after receiving them I can see this being used as an excuse to rip off the Carrier.

 

I thought about it too.I would make copies of course and they should be enough to claim the payment even if the originals are lost. They can say whatever they want about not receiving originals, if there are copies and other proofs of delivery that should be enough if it goes to their bond or court. Only two times I was asked for originals but they did not get lost in mail. You can send them as registered mail too. One time or two I lost the originals and did not have any copies, in which case I called the receiver and luckily for me they were kind enough to dig out their copies for me.

 

The whole idea, in this case for originals is a joke. They can easily pick up the phone and call the receiver to verify acceptance/condition of commodity. If they didn't get their delivery they would obviously be calling the Broker asking where it is. They know it was delivered and damage free. Just a way to squeeze more days from a NET30 payment term IMO.