What Is a Straight Bill of Lading

Posted On 14th May 2025

A straight bill of lading is a precise contract, detailing the freight shipment journey from the shipper to a named recipient.

Issued by the carriers, this bill of lading outlines the type, quantity, and destination of goods, ensuring clarity in the supply chain. Unlike the flexible alternatives, it locks in delivery to one consignee, offering unmatched security for prepaid cargo.

In contrast to a negotiable bill of lading that allows certain ownership transfers, a lading is a non-negotiable straight bill that restricts changes, safeguarding the recipient and delivery.

This quick guide explores its components, differences, and risks in streamlining the agreement between the shipper transactions.

What Is a Straight Bill of Lading

Components of a Straight BOL

A straight BOL is your freight’s playbook, which details the goods to keep shipping on point.

Here’s what’s included in the straight BOL form:

Part	What It Includes
Shipper	The company name and address of the shipper.
Point of Origin	The state and city of the shipping point.
Date of Shipment	The date when the freight is loaded into the carrier.
Truck/Freight	The means of transport, such as a truck or a rail.
Shipment Number	The unique control number to reference the shipment with the carrier.
Carrier	The transporter is in charge of moving the shipment by sea, air, or road.
Agent's Number	The identification number of the carrier or agent, such as an NVOCC.
Consigned To	The eventual consignee of the shipment does not include phrases like "To Order," "To the Order," "To the Order of," or "To the order of Bank."
Destination	The full address of the consignee's location where the carrier will deliver the freight.
Route	The route the carrier will take to reach the consignee, including intermediary carriers, docks, or warehouses.
Vehicle/Car No	The vehicle identification numbers or initials.
No. Packages	The number of packages, if items are combined on a pallet or in an outside container.
Description of Shipment	The quantity and type of package (carton, barrel, etc.); each package type gets its own entry if multiple types are used.
Special Instructions	Additional delivery instructions for special handling or hazardous materials.
Weight	The total gross weight in pounds, with tare and net weights for bulk shipments noted; pallet weights shown separately.
Prepaid Shipments	Billing status: "Prepaid" if the shipper pays; if blank, the carrier collects freight charges from the consignee.
Shipment Declared Value	The exact value for each product per unit.
Shipper’s Sign-off	The entity name of the shipper, with their signature.

Note: Be informed that this is only a straight bill of lading sample, and actual documents may vary based on specific shipping requirements, regulations, or carrier policies.

What Is the Difference Between a Bill of Lading and a Straight Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is like a shipping passport, guiding freight through its journey with flexibility at its core. The bill of lading is a document that can often be negotiable, meaning the ownership of the freight shipment can change. You might sign it over to a new buyer, making it a bearer bill of lading where the holder claims the goods.

It’s a versatile tool for trades where deals evolve fast.

In contrast, a straight bill of lading plays by stricter rules, locking the shipment to one receiver. It’s a document that names a specific consignee, with no room to change absolutely anything.

Unlike its negotiable twin, it ensures the goods go only to the listed party, often used for prepaid orders. This clarity makes it a go-to for secure, straightforward shipping, reducing the risks of mid-journey ownership swaps.

What Are the Risks of a Straight Bill of Lading

A straight bill of lading form locks the shipment to one receiver, but this doesn’t mean there are no challenges to watch out for:

Zero Changes: The straight bill can’t be transferred, so if plans suddenly shift, you’re stuck with the named consignee.
Delivery Delays: Without flexibility, any error in the straight bill of lading, such as a missing consignee, can cause severe delays.
Payment Risks: Since it’s often prepaid, the types of bills here mean the shipper might face losses if the consignee backs out.
Limited Options: Unlike the negotiable bill, the straight bill of lading (BOL) restricts mid-journey sales, limiting potential flexibility.

Note: Always double-check consignee details on your straight BOL to avoid hiccups, as errors can lead to costly delays or disputes.

What Are the Benefits of Using Straight BOL

As we’ve learned, the straight bill of lading narrows down your shipment to one receiver, and that structure brings some handy advantages. Let’s name a few:

Enhanced Security: A straight BOL short form ensures delivery only to the named consignee, reducing the risks of potential theft.
Simplified Process: With straight BOL prepaid shipments, there’s no ownership shuffle, speeding up the logistics process.
Clear Accountability: The fixed consignee on the straight bill of lading form avoids mid-journey disputes and diversions.
Streamlined Compliance: Its rigid format aligns smoothly with customs regulatory compliance checks.

Note: Always ensure your straight bill of lading short form matches the shipment details to avoid delays.

Straight Bill of Lading Template from FreightRun

FreightRun offers a handy straight bill of lading form template to streamline your shipping needs, especially for prepaid freight shipment orders. This template is a non-negotiable gem, locking delivery to one consignee with fields for shipper, receiver, and cargo details, plus payment terms like “Prepaid” or “Collect.”

It’s perfect for small shippers navigating domestic routes, ensuring clarity with a straight BOL template that’s easy to fill out. So, whether you’re shipping across town or cross-country, this template cuts the guesswork, making your logistics a breeze.

Don’t wait, and grab FreightRun’s Straight Bill of Lading Template and ship with confidence.

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