Bill of Lading Template
Bill of lading template for freight shipments with carrier details, cargo description, and shipping terms. This template is pre-configured with all the fields specific to this document type, ensuring your bill of ladings are professional, complete, and compliant. InvoiceQuickly's AI can generate one from a simple text description in under 5 seconds.
What This Template Includes
- Document type label
- Reference to original document
- Itemized line items
- Tax calculation
- Total amount
- Payment instructions or terms
How to Create Your Bill of Lading
- 1
Describe your work
Type a plain English description of the services you provided, the client, and the amount.
- 2
AI generates your invoice
InvoiceQuickly's AI fills in all fields with industry-specific formatting, tax calculations, and proper payment terms.
- 3
Review, download, and send
Check the details, download as PDF, and send directly to your client via email or a payment link.
Recommended Payment Terms
Payment terms for a bill of lading depend on the specific agreement and document type. Reference the original contract or invoice for applicable terms. Always specify the due date clearly.
Need help writing payment terms? Read our guide to invoice payment terms for best practices and templates.
Tax Information
Tax treatment for a bill of lading follows the same rules as the underlying transaction. Ensure tax amounts are calculated correctly and match any referenced original documents. Consult your accountant for complex situations.
Invoicing Tips
- 1Clearly label the document as "BILL OF LADING" at the top to avoid confusion with other document types
- 2Always reference the original document (contract, purchase order, or invoice) by number and date
- 3Include all legally required fields for your jurisdiction — requirements vary by country
- 4Keep organized records linking this document to all related transactions
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bill of lading?
Bill of lading template for freight shipments with carrier details, cargo description, and shipping terms.
When should I use a bill of lading?
Use a bill of lading when the standard invoice format doesn't fit your specific situation. This document type serves a distinct purpose in the invoicing workflow. InvoiceQuickly generates bill of ladings with all the right fields pre-configured.
What's the difference between a bill of lading and a regular invoice?
A regular invoice is the standard billing document for goods or services delivered. A bill of lading serves a more specific purpose — it may be issued before delivery, after corrections, for partial billing, or for specialized transaction types. The key difference is in when it's issued and what it represents in your accounting records.
Do I need a unique number for each bill of lading?
Yes. Like invoices, each bill of lading should have a unique sequential number for tracking and audit purposes. Many businesses use a separate numbering sequence (e.g., CN-001 for credit notes, DN-001 for debit notes) to distinguish them from regular invoices.