One of the questions we get asked most about is the Bill of Lading. What type of document is it, exactly? What sort of information does it contain? Where and when do I sign it?
In the simplest terms, a Bill of Lading is the contract between you and your moving company. It also acts like a receipt. It contains all the information you and your moving company will need to know before, during and after the move.
The Bill of Lading contains the following information:
- Customer Name and Address
- Moving Company Name and Address
- Moving Date(s)
- Departure address
- Destination address
- Number of boxes and other items being moved
- Declared values of all items
- Number and type of trucks
- The cost of the move
- Any other special instructions the movers need to know
Make sure you look over the Bill of Lading before the move to ensure all the information is correct. Since the Bill also acts as a receipt, it is used to handle any claims for compensation, damage or loss.
You sign the Bill is Lading after the move is finished. If there are any discrepancies or incorrect information, make sure to speak with the moving company as soon as possible. You don’t need to sign the Bill of Lading until you are completely satisfied that all the information is correct.