Fedex Bill Of Lading Form

What is a FedEx Bill of Lading?

A FedEx Bill of Lading is a legal document that outlines the details of shipments carried by FedEx Freight services. It includes information such as the date of shipment, purchase order numbers, shipper and consignee details, service types, and details about the freight charges. It serves as a contract between the shipper and FedEx for the transportation services provided.

Why is it marked "ORIGINAL---NOT NEGOTIABLE"?

This notation indicates that the document is the original copy of the Bill of Lading and cannot be negotiated or transferred to another party. It specifies that the Bill of Lading is a receipt and contract for the goods being shipped but does not convey ownership of the goods.

What does the term "Freight charges are PREPAID unless marked collect" mean?

This means that the cost of shipping the freight is typically paid by the shipper before the shipment is sent unless the box indicating charges are to be collected upon delivery is checked. If the charges are to be collected, it signifies that the recipient is responsible for the payment of the freight charges upon delivery.

Can I specify a declared value for the shipment?

Yes, shippers can state a specific declared value of the property being shipped by writing the agreed or declared value in the area provided on the Bill of Lading. This is important for determining the carrier’s liability in case of loss or damage.

What are the conditions for shipping hazardous materials?

When shipping hazardous materials, the shipper must mark an "X" or "RQ" in the HM column to designate hazardous materials or reportable quantity as defined by DOT regulations. The emergency contact phone number and additional required information for the shipment must also be provided. It ensures compliance with safety and legal requirements.

How is the carrier's liability for loss or damage determined?

The carrier’s maximum standard liability is limited to certain amounts per pound per package, depending on whether the articles shipped are new, used, or reconditioned. For detailed limits and provisions regarding liability, one should refer to the FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff.

What does it mean by "Shipper Certification"?

The Shipper Certification is a statement by the shipper declaring that the contents of the consignment are properly classified, packaged, marked, labeled, and in all respects in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations. It is the shipper's assertion of compliance with all shipping rules and regulations.

How can I get excess liability coverage for my shipment?

To obtain excess liability coverage for a shipment, shippers must select the appropriate coverage option and declare the value on the Bill of Lading. Additional charges will apply for this coverage. Not selecting an additional coverage option is considered a waiver of it, and standard liability coverage will apply.

Filling out the FedEx Bill of Lading form accurately is crucial for the smooth transportation of goods. However, there are common mistakes that people often make when completing this form, which can lead to delays or issues with the shipment. One widespread error is not specifying the service type. The form requires the shipper to select either FedEx Freight® Priority or FedEx Freight® Economy, along with optional services like A.M. Delivery or Close of Business Delivery. Overlooking this selection can cause confusion and result in the shipment not being processed as urgently as the shipper might need.

Another area often prone to mistakes is the proper listing of the shipper and consignee information, including accurate ZIP codes and phone numbers. Providing incomplete or incorrect information in this section can lead to significant delays. Shippers must ensure that both the pickup (shipper) and delivery (consignee) addresses are complete and accurate, including any necessary suite or apartment numbers, to avoid misrouted or undelivered shipments.

Errors in the classification of the freight can also be problematic. The form asks for details such as the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) item number and class. This classification influences the freight charges by defining the type of goods being shipped, their value, and the difficulty in transporting them. Incorrect classification may not only lead to incorrect billing but might also cause disputes with the carrier or even claims for loss or damage.

Likewise, failing to correctly declare whether a shipment contains hazardous materials is a critical oversight. The form requires an "X" or "RQ" in the HM (Hazardous Materials) column for such items, in compliance with DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations. Omitting this information or marking it inaccurately jeopardizes safety and could result in legal penalties. It's also important to provide an emergency contact phone number and, for international shipments, broker information to ensure proper handling of any incidents that may occur during transit.

Finally, a common mistake is not accurately addressing the billing instructions, particularly when a shipment is sent C.O.D. (Collect on Delivery). The form has specific sections for indicating how the C.O.D. funds should be collected and by whom the fee should be paid. Incorrectly filling out or neglecting these sections can cause financial complications and delays in delivery until payment issues are resolved. Ensuring these sections are filled out correctly and clearly will prevent misunderstandings and facilitate a smoother delivery and payment process.

When preparing or reviewing shipping and logistics documentation, the FedEx Bill of Lading form is frequently accompanied by several other forms and documents that facilitate the shipping process, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and provide detailed instructions for the transportation of goods. These documents are integral to the comprehensive management and tracking of shipments.

• Commercial Invoice: This document is crucial for international shipments. It provides customs and other authorities with a detailed listing of the shipped items, their value, and the country of origin. It's used to determine duties and taxes and is required for clearance through customs.
• Certificate of Origin: Often used in conjunction with the Commercial Invoice, this document certifies the country in which the goods were manufactured. It is important for determining tariffs, trade agreements, and import quotas.
• Packing List: Complementing the Bill of Lading, the Packing List details the specifics of what is in the shipment. It lists all the packages within the shipment along with their contents, weight, and dimensions. This document helps in verifying cargo upon receipt and ensuring all items are accounted for.
• Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI): This document provides detailed instructions from the shipper to the freight forwarder. It contains information on how the shipment should be handled, required documentation for shipping and customs, and instructions for the ultimate delivery.
• Proof of Delivery (POD): This document is signed by the consignee upon delivery, confirming that the goods have been received in good condition and as per the Bill of Lading. POD is essential for the shipper to ensure that the contractual delivery obligations have been fulfilled.

Together, these documents form a comprehensive suite that supports the FedEx Bill of Lading. Each serves a unique function in the logistics chain, ensuring that goods are shipped, handled, and received according to the stipulated requirements. They provide a clear record of instructions, agreements, and transactions that occur throughout the shipping process, offering protection and clarity for all parties involved.

The Air Waybill (AWB) serves as a parallel to the FedEx Bill of Lading, particularly in its role as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. Like the Bill of Lading, which outlines the terms and specifics of the freight’s journey by land, the AWB does the same for goods transported by air. It contains vital details such as the shipper and consignee's information, description of the goods, and the terms of the contract. However, unlike the Bill of Lading, which can serve as a document of title allowing the holder to claim possession of the goods, the AWB is typically non-negotiable.

Similar in purpose to the FedEx Bill of Lading, the Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) is crucial for the shipment of goods across sea. This document not only serves as a receipt for the cargo but also outlines the agreement for the transport of commodities by sea. It contains specific details about the cargo, including the quantity, destination, and condition. The OBL, much like the Bill of Lading, can be negotiable or non-negotiable and plays a significant role in international trade by governing the terms of shipping between a shipper and a sea carrier.

The Warehouse Receipt is akin to the FedEx Bill of Lading, as it serves as proof of goods' storage rather than their transportation. Issued by warehouse operators, the receipt details the goods' description, quantity, and condition at the time of storage. Similar to the Bill of Lading, which acts as evidence of the contract for carriage between shipper and carrier, the Warehouse Receipt serves as evidence of the contract of storage, indicating terms and conditions under which the goods are stored, and sometimes, it can be used as collateral for loans.

The Rail Consignment Note, used for goods transported by rail, resembles the FedEx Bill of Lading in structure and function. It records the contract of carriage between the shipper and the rail carrier, detailing information about the consigner, consignee, description of goods, and route of transport. This document proves that the rail carrier has received the goods and is obliged to deliver them in accordance with the agreement, paralleling the Bill of Lading's role in road transport.

The Multimodal Transport Document (MTD) is an integrated document akin to the FedEx Bill of Lading, covering goods transported under a single contract but via multiple modes of transport, such as road, rail, sea, or air. This document specifies the terms and conditions of the shipment and serves as receipt of goods, similar to the Bill of Lading. As it applies to multiple transport types, it's more versatile, encapsulating the roles of specific transport documents into one framework which outlines the responsibility of the multimodal transport operator from the point of origin to the destination.

When filling out a FedEx Bill of Lading form, ensuring accuracy and completeness is crucial for the timely and safe delivery of your shipment. Here are some key dos and don'ts to help guide you through the process:

• Do double-check the service type selected matches your delivery needs (e.g., FedEx Freight® Priority for faster delivery).
• Do provide accurate and complete information for both the shipper and consignee, including ZIP codes and phone numbers, to avoid delays.
• Do clearly indicate if the shipment contains hazardous materials by marking "X" or "RQ" in the HM column, ensuring safe and compliant transport.
• Do specify if additional services are needed such as Liftgate or Inside Pickup/Delivery to ensure the correct handling of your shipment.
• Don't neglect to specify freight charges preferences (Prepaid or Collect), to avoid billing misunderstandings.
• Don't forget to sign and date the shipper certification at the bottom of the form, as this verifies the accuracy of the shipment's contents and compliance with regulations.
• Don't omit the declared value of the shipment if required, to ensure adequate liability coverage.

By following these guidelines, shippers can help ensure their shipments are processed efficiently and arrive safely at their destination. Careful attention to the details on the FedEx Bill of Lading form not only facilitates smoother shipments but also helps avoid potential delays and additional charges.

When it comes to FedEx's Bill of Lading, there are quite a few misconceptions that people tend to have. Let's clear some of them up:

• It's negotiable: No, the FedEx Uniform Straight Bill of Lading explicitly states it is "ORIGINAL---NOT NEGOTIABLE." This means it cannot be transferred to assign goods to another party while in transit.

• It covers all types of goods: While the FedEx Bill of Lading is comprehensive, the shipper must mark hazardous materials appropriately. There are strict rules for shipping hazardous materials that need to be followed.

• Shipper's and consignee's accounts are optional: Although it looks like providing account numbers might be optional, these details are critical for billing and ensuring that charges are correctly assigned.

• Only the shipper needs to provide contact information: Both the shipper and consignee need to provide accurate phone numbers and addresses. This information is vital for any required communication.

• There are no additional service charges: The form lists several optional or additional services like Liftgate, Inside Pickup/Delivery, and Limited Access, which do incur extra charges. It’s important to budget for these if you need them.

• Freight charges are always prepaid: The bill of lading allows for freight charges to be marked as "PREPAID" or "COLLECT." This contradicts the idea that charges are always prepaid by the shipper.

• C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery) details can be sorted out later: If a shipment is sent C.O.D., specific instructions must be noted on the Bill of Lading at the time of shipping, including the method of payment and who will pay the C.O.D. fee.

• Shipper's certification is just a formality: The Shipper’s Certification is a crucial legal acknowledgment that the goods being shipped are accurately described, properly classified, and suitably packed for transport. It plays a significant role in compliance with transportation regulations.

Understanding the specifics of the FedEx Bill of Lading form is essential for anyone planning to ship goods through FedEx Freight services. Misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or extra charges that could have been avoided.

Filling out and using the FedEx Bill of Lading form is crucial for ensuring your freight shipment is processed efficiently and correctly. Here are seven key takeaways to help you navigate this process:

• It's imperative to select the correct service type FedEx Freight® Priority or FedEx Freight® Economy, depending on your delivery needs. This choice will influence delivery timing and cost.
• Accurately providing ZIP codes and phone numbers for both the shipper and consignee is required to avoid delays. This information helps FedEx coordinate and communicate about the shipment effectively.
• For any special delivery options like a money-back guarantee, A.M. Delivery, or Close of Business Delivery, make sure to indicate your preference clearly on the form. These services can add value but may come with additional charges.
• Indicating your Freight charges as either prepaid or collect (and specifying who is responsible for them if they are collect) is essential for proper billing. Miscommunication here can lead to billing disputes or delays.
• For shipments that require special handling (e.g., Liftgate service, Inside Delivery), don’t forget to check the appropriate box. Failing to do so might mean your shipment isn’t handled as needed upon arrival.
• If your shipment includes hazardous materials, marking the “HM” column with an “X” or “RQ” as appropriate is not just important—it’s required for compliance with DOT regulations. This ensures safe and proper handling of your shipment throughout its journey.
• Lastly, completing the shipper certification section at the bottom with a signature verifies you’ve declared the contents of your shipment accurately and complied with all applicable shipping regulations. This step is vital for legal and safety reasons.

Understanding and correctly filling out the FedEx Bill of Lading form not only helps ensure your shipment gets to its destination safely and on time but also protects you from potential liability issues. Always take the time to review and verify the details on the form before submitting.