Broker wants original BL mailed in?

It's common and it's no big deal. Just make a copy of everything and mail the originals.

30 days is the common practice although some pay sooner. I've mailed hundreds of the originals and have never had an issue because of it.

 

I had this discussion with a broker. Apparently they had some drivers getting claims, and would white out the BOL before emailing/faxing/scanning it over to them. So, they can start the payment process with the copy, but want to see the original before they issue payment. This ensures they're not the ones stuck paying the carrier and wind up holding the bag for a claim.


But, this is one of the first things I ask about a load when it's a broker I'm not a regular with. Most pay with copies. But, there's a lot of situations they want the original. Just make a copy for yourself, and send it out. You still have proof of delivery with you.

 

There's precious little difference between an original and a high-resolution color reprint of it. I had a few loads where the broker paid based on receiving the signed originals. So, mail priority signature required, color-copy originals and file (scan at 300dpi and reprint on a nice color laser, actually). Indistinguishable from original except for the physical impressions left by the signer's pen.

You get proof of delivery, they get the originals, and you've got an exact reproduction, just in case. Worked for me.

 

I mail BOL with my invoice (and a load confirmation if it's a load from a broker) to whomever I'm billing. I generally mail the original, keep a copy of it and any other paperwork associated with the load in my receivables file until I'm paid. This is SOP for me, only time I've done it differently was when a broker I had never used before said email him a BOL and an invoice n he would mail me a check same day. Delivered on a Wednesday morning deposited check Friday 1030am. I tend to use the same brokers and have good relationships with my direct customers. All get billed via snail mail, haven't had a problem to date.

 

Fedex or priority mail. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

 

Every load I do rather it's for my customer or a broker I send the original paper work in, I can't tell you how many loads I've done but it's 1,000s and only had a issue one time. This was before I paid the extra money for credit I sent in the original paper work 40days later I called about payment they said they havnt received my paper work I said give me a fax number and I'll send over a copy their response was we need original copies not a copy. The problem is that's what went out in the mail and supposedly never received, so ended up sending copy's in the mail five days later I called again was told my paper work was unacceptable.

In situations like that you have no control over it after calling back for two days I told them they had 24 hours to make a payment or I was going to contact their customer with a bill, next day no answer so I did just what I said I called the customer when they informed me payment was already made I asked if they received POD they said yes it's right here, they ended up sending me a copy of the paperwork they had with a copy of the payment made next step I filled on there bond by the end of they day they called me back with a comdata check.

These days I don't move freight for anyone that takes more than 35days to get paid infact 70% of my customers pay fast some same week some in two weeks but not many drag it out 30days or more.

 

It's called operating capital. If you don't have it, you shouldn't be in business to begin with.

Rich, until a few years ago this was standard practice. Very few if my customers back then would accept anything but original bol for payment. As technology has improved imaging quality is much better and being accepted by more and more businesses. If you don't have a history with that broker, I would suggest certified mail.

 

Thanks for the education. I will take your advice and start shutting down my business tomorrow. Any advice on how to do that?

 

sounds like you already started shutting down. slowly but surely

 

Ive had a couple ask for original and everytime I pony up the money and send it fedex. Never really been a problem. Like General Lee said, they are probably buying some time since contract states X number of days after receipt of paperwork