A bill of lading is a shipping document that lists goods handed over for transport. It names the shipper and the consignee, describes the goods and records quantity and weight. This generator creates a simple shipment document with these details. Carriers and international shipments often require their own forms.
When to use a bill of lading
A simple bill of lading helps when you need a written record of goods leaving your hands.
- You hand a pallet or parcel to a carrier and want a record of what you sent.
- You ship goods between your own sites and need a list with weights.
- You send goods to a customer and want the consignee and cargo stated clearly.
- You prepare information to give your carrier or freight forwarder.
- You need a simple internal record of a shipment.
Check first what your carrier needs. Many carriers issue their own bill of lading and will not accept another form. For cross-border shipments, you may also need customs or export papers. Ask your carrier or freight forwarder.
What to include on a bill of lading
- Shipper details: your business name, address and email (the "From" section).
- Consignee: the name and address of the party receiving the goods.
- B/L number: a unique reference for the shipment.
- Date: the shipping date.
- Currency: the form includes a currency choice, but the line items show no prices.
- Line items: a description, a quantity and a weight for each item.
- Notes: the carrier name, a booking or order reference, handling instructions or a signature line.
Write the weight in the same unit for every line, and state the unit in the description or in Notes.
How to create a bill of lading with this generator
- Open the bill of lading generator.
- Under "From", enter the shipper name, address and email.
- Under "Consignee", enter the name and address of the receiver.
- In "Document details", type the B/L number and pick the date.
- In "Line items", enter a description, a quantity and a weight. Select "Add item" for each extra line. Select "Remove item" to delete one.
- Add the carrier name, references or handling instructions in "Notes".
- Check the live preview. It updates as you type.
- Select "Download PDF". Print it if you need a hand-signed copy.
The tool is free and needs no sign-up. It does not store your data, so keep your own copy of every document.
Common mistakes
- Using it in place of a carrier form. Confirm with your carrier first.
- Incomplete consignee address. Give the full address and a contact if you can.
- Missing weights. Weight affects handling and carrier charges, so list it for every line.
- Mixed weight units. Use one unit across all lines and say which one.
- Vague goods description. Describe what is in each package.
- No copy kept. The generator does not save your work, so store the PDF yourself.
Bill of lading vs delivery note vs packing slip
| Document | Main role |
|---|---|
| Bill of lading | Records goods handed to a carrier for transport |
| Delivery note | Confirms what was delivered to the recipient |
| Packing slip | Lists the contents of a parcel |
The guide on packing slip vs delivery note explains two of these in detail. You can make either document with the delivery note generator or the packing slip generator.
Related guides and tools
For international sales, read the guide on the commercial invoice and the pro forma invoice. To bill the buyer, use the invoice generator. The guide on purchase orders shows how an order starts a shipment.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a bill of lading?
- A bill of lading is a shipping document that lists goods handed to a carrier. It names the shipper and the consignee, describes the goods and records quantity and weight. It can serve as a receipt for the goods and as a record of the shipment.
- Is this a legally binding bill of lading?
- This generator makes a simple shipment document with the key details. It is not a carrier-issued bill of lading. Carriers and international shipments often require their own forms. Check with your carrier or freight forwarder before you rely on it.
- What information goes on a bill of lading?
- Include the shipper, the consignee, a B/L number, the date, and a description of the goods with quantity and weight. Add special handling notes, the carrier name or a reference to the order in Notes. Your carrier may ask for more.
- Who is the consignee on a bill of lading?
- The consignee is the person or company that receives the goods at the destination. In this generator, the consignee is the recipient section. Enter the full name and address so the carrier can deliver to the right place. Ask your carrier if you are unsure which form they need.
- What is the difference between a bill of lading and a delivery note?
- A bill of lading is tied to the carrier and the transport of goods. A delivery note confirms what a supplier delivered to a customer. A bill of lading records quantity and weight for transport. A delivery note usually lists items and quantities only.
- Can I use this for international shipping?
- International shipments often need carrier forms, customs papers and other documents. This generator creates a simple shipment document only. Ask your carrier or freight forwarder which documents you need before you ship abroad. Confirm the exact rules with them first.
- Is the bill of lading generator free?
- Yes. It is free, needs no account and runs in your browser. Nothing you type is stored on the server. Your data is not saved between visits, so download the PDF and keep your own copy. It works on phones and computers.