Are you sick of signed BOLs?

Because most people are luddites and don't understand that electronic signatures are secure, less susceptible to forgery and legally binding. They haven't taken the time to educate themselves, nor adapt.

I'm with you; there is no reason for the reams of paperwork generated.

 

I don't know what you're doing out there OP but I have never once had to send a broker a BOL. Most don't ask and if they do then I scan with phone and email it.

If you're meaning invoicing customers you can do that paperless very easily as well.

 

With the beer virus everything here has started going digital.

 

We have customers who request signed BOL to show completion of the order with the invoice, before they'll pay us. So that's why we request it.

Beyond that, a scanned copy or a picture is generally sufficient, and we're cool with that.

 

All of the Brokers that I work for require a signed bill of lading.

I take a CamScanner snap a photo and send it right to them as soon as I have it in my hands.

They all want that within 24 to 48 hours so that they can begin processing the payment.

Then I will actually do the invoicing as soon as I can get to it but sending them the proof of delivery is very important that's done right away.

A lot of Brokers will back charge you if they don't receive that within that time frame.

 

Uh, the BOL is by far the most single important document for the entire transportation process. They aren't going away and electronic isn't always better than paper. Is it really that hard for you to take a picture of it and email it?

 

The BOL is a legal document.

It is the trucker's only LEGAL proof that he/she is in legal possession of a trailer and its freight.

A BOL signed by the consignee is the ONLY LEGAL PROOF that the load has been delivered.

As others have mentioned, yes, it COULD be done electronically. Some places probably do.

So here's you and your hazmat load, you get in a fender bender.

The cop asks to see your paperwork, but your BOL tablet is blank.........

Now what?

Anyway, we could "what if?" all day. I don't know the answer to your question, and I DO understand your frustration.

But every trucking company I've ever worked for told me:

"Return a signed and dated BOL to the office for every load delivered, or YOU WILL NOT GET PAID."

And that's good enough for me.....