Prevent unpaid freight, protect your carrier rights, and avoid broker disputes.

In transportation law and freight collections work, one of the most common issues we run across is that the carrier’s name is not present on the Bill of Lading (BOL).
As a transportation attorney who regularly represents carriers in broker disputes, double-brokering situations, and consignee liability claims, I see this error every week—and it’s completely preventable.

Making sure your name is listed on the BOL is one of the strongest ways to protect your right to be paid. Whether you haul for a small broker or a Fortune 500 shipper, the rule is the same:
If your company name isn’t on the Bill of Lading, you’re at risk.

Here’s why.

1. The Bill of Lading Is Your Contract and Your Legal Evidence

Many carriers think of the BOL as routine shipping paperwork.
In reality, it is the contract of carriage and the key piece of legal evidence in every unpaid freight claim.

If your name is missing:

• The shipper or consignee can deny knowing you hauled the load.
• The broker can claim a subcontractor or point to another MC number.
• You lose your most important document when fighting unpaid freight charges.

2. It Strengthens Shipper and Consignee Liability

Under federal law and industry practice, the parties listed on the BOL form the payment chain.

If the carrier line is blank or shows the broker:

• The consignee gains arguments to avoid liability under 49 U.S.C. § 13706.
• The shipper can claim they never contracted with your company.
• Your unpaid freight claim becomes harder to enforce.

Even when the law is on your side, the absence of your name weakens your leverage.

3. It Helps Prevent Double Brokering Fraud

Double brokering is exploding, and almost every fraudulent load involves one red flag:
The real carrier wasn’t listed on the BOL.

Bad brokers and scammers use this to argue:

• “We thought someone else hauled it.”
• “We already paid another carrier.”
• “You were not the authorized motor carrier.”

Putting your name and MC number on the BOL shuts down these excuses and strengthens your legal position in any freight dispute.

4. If Your Name Isn’t on the BOL — Add It

Carriers are allowed to identify themselves on the Bill of Lading.
If the broker or shipper hands you a BOL that’s blank or only shows the broker:

Write your company name in.
Add your MC number.
Initial it.
Take a timestamped photo at pickup.

This small action often decides whether the carrier gets paid without litigation or ends up in a lengthy unpaid freight claim.

5. Make It a Mandatory Company Policy

Strong carrier operations include strict BOL procedures.
Train your drivers to:

• Confirm your name is on every Bill of Lading
• Add the name if missing
• Photograph the BOL at pickup and delivery
• Store copies in organized digital files

These habits dramatically reduce unpaid freight, chargebacks, and broker disputes.

Bottom Line: Your Name on the BOL Protects You

Every day, carriers lose money simply because their name was left off the Bill of Lading.
Whether you’re dealing with unpaid freight charges, a double-brokered load, or a shipper denying liability, the BOL is your most important document.

Make sure your company name is there.
Write it in if necessary.
Protect your load, your payment, and your business.

About the Author

Edgar Davison represents motor carriers, brokers, and logistics companies nationwide in freight charge collections, unpaid freight disputes, consignee liability claims, double-brokering cases, and commercial litigation. He also serves as General Counsel for Baxter Bailey & Associates and writes frequently on carrier rights, freight law, and transportation litigation strategies.

T. Edgar Davison, Esq.
Transportation Attorney – Davison Law Firm
Licensed in Tennessee and Arkansas
6000 Poplar Ave., Suite 250
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 230-7749
[email protected]