New Trucker BOL Question

Hey everyone, I have been out on the road for about a week and a half. Things are going alright so far, but I am having some trouble with the BOLs. I was sent a message over Qualcomm saying they don’t have paperwork for two of my trips. I had, admittedly not been scanning everything so I immediately scanned everything I had. But for two of the trips, I don’t seem to have any paperwork. I know I didn’t throw anything away. These trips were a week ago. What should I do and how much trouble am I in?

What company is this with so we can offer specific advice?

Some companies may refuse to pay you for those loads because theres no paperwork to prove you picked up and delivered. You'll need to figure out a way of keeping paperwork organized to help you remember to get it scanned in and not misplace it. Hopefully others that are OTR can give you some ideas of how they do it.

Generally, no BOL means no pay for you OR the carrier.

Paperwork is very important, so scan the BOLs as soon as you can after a delivery.

Ouch. That is major because that is how everyone gets paid.

Does your company use transflow. If so you can download and setup the mobile app. I use it all the time right from my phone. It is very user friendly, it tells you if it was successful, and sends you a confirmation email. I always forward the confirmation email to the dispatcher that sent me the load so they know it is finished.

How are you keeping your paperwork?? If you don’t have a box type clipboard, get one. You keep all your current load paperwork straight on top, and your completed ones inside. Also a great place to keep your phone list for quick reference if you need it.

As far as your current issue. Talk to your DM and see if they can get a duplicate from the customer. Do you use any kind of a cover sheet???

Thank You for that info, I won't be finished with CDL school until the end of October, But I will be certain to remember that when I start driving. Iv'e been reading all over the internet ahead of time picking up all the helpful tips I can find.

Don Future Driver

Generally, no BOL means no pay for you OR the carrier.

Paperwork is very important, so scan the BOLs as soon as you can after a delivery.

I highly recommend you buy something like this to put your paperwork in. You'd be surprised what ends up in the trash without your knowledge. Most companies will not pay you for the load if you have no signed/stamped paperwork. Many also require you to send it in within 3 days of delivery or no pay. I once delivered 3 forklifts on Long Island, before I left I set my signed BOL down to use the bathroom and forgot it. Had to drive back about 20 miles to get it if I wanted to get paid.

I use this heavy-duty accordion file for all the documents I keep. There's room enough in it to keep a year's worth of BOLs. I picked it up at a thrift shop several years ago for about $2.

Ethan,

The bill of lading is a very important legal document that basically transfers ownership of the freight from shipper to carrier to receiver. Your trainer should have gone over how important things must match on it.

Forget about getting paid, if you get pulled over by dot and you can't produce a bill with a trailer full of freight, it would be a bad time for you.

I carry blank bills just in case a shipper doesn't give you one(which has never happened), i can at least get them to sign something.

As far as getting paid you will, but it may take while. I submit my paperwork before I leave the receiver.

Prime wants us to keep them for 2 months. If we lose them, they have to jump though hoops to get copies and it makes the carrier look incompetent and disorganized .

I did a video on BOLs. If you check it out. I cant post a link right now.

Most of our freight is prepaid, meaning West Side gets their money before we haul it. However, if we don't scan our paperwork, then we don't get paid for that trip. We also use transflo app do its really simple to do. We are asked to keep bols at least until we get paid for that trip, but preferably 30 days.