Bill of Lading Terms

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a transport document issued by Bolt Freight (or its designated carrier) that serves three functions: (a) a receipt for the goods delivered to the carrier, (b) evidence of the contract of carriage, and (c) a document of title, where applicable. The terms and conditions set forth below are incorporated by reference into every BOL issued by Bolt Freight and form part of the contract of carriage between the Shipper and Bolt Freight.

By tendering goods to Bolt Freight for transportation, the Shipper warrants that:

• The particulars declared on the BOL — including commodity description, number of packages, weight, dimensions, marks, and numbers — are accurate and complete.
• The goods are packed in a manner adequate to withstand the ordinary rigors of the mode of transport selected.
• The goods are lawful to transport and do not include prohibited, restricted, or undeclared hazardous materials.
• The Shipper has the legal right to consign the goods and that all required licenses and permits have been obtained.
• The declared value of the goods, if stated, represents the true replacement value.

The Shipper indemnifies Bolt Freight against all losses, damages, fines, and expenses arising from any breach of the above warranties.

The BOL is issued subject to the goods being received in apparent good order and condition, except as noted on the BOL. The number of packages, weight, and measurements stated on the BOL are declarations by the Shipper. Bolt Freight and its Carriers are not obligated to verify the accuracy of such declarations unless specifically agreed in writing. "Said to contain," "shipper's load and count," or similar notations on the BOL mean the carrier has not verified the contents of sealed containers.

Every BOL issued by Bolt Freight covers domestic transportation within the United States. The terms of the BOL are governed by federal motor carrier law:

• Domestic motor transport: The Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706) applies to every shipment, except as modified by the released value declared on the BOL.
• Carrier regulations: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 370–399) govern claims handling, delivery, and carrier obligations.

Bolt Freight's liability for loss, damage, or delay is governed by the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706) and is limited to the released value of the goods, unless a higher value has been declared on the BOL before shipment and additional charges, if any, have been paid:

• Default released value: $25 per pound per article, applied when no higher value is declared.
• Declared value: The value stated on the BOL and paid for before dispatch, which sets the ceiling of recovery.
• Delay: Liability for delay is limited to the transportation charges attributable to the delayed shipment.

To recover above the default released value, the Shipper must declare a higher value on the BOL before shipment and pay any additional charge. All-risk cargo insurance is included with every shipment up to $50,000. See our Insurance Coverage & Limits page for details.

Neither Bolt Freight nor the Carrier shall be liable for loss, damage, or delay caused by:

• Act of God, force majeure, or inherent vice of the goods.
• Inadequate or improper packing by the Shipper, Shipper's agents, or Consignee.
• Insufficiency or inadequacy of marks or numbers on packages.
• Strike, lockout, stoppage, or restraint of labor (partial or general).
• Riots, civil commotions, or acts of war or terrorism.
• Inspection, detention, or seizure by government authority.
• Nuclear, radioactive, or biological contamination.
• Wear and tear, ordinary breakage, or inherent defect of the goods.

Notice of intent to claim must be given as follows, failing which Bolt Freight shall be discharged from all liability:

• Visible damage or shortage: At the time of delivery or within 3 days thereafter.
• Concealed damage: Within 15 days after delivery.
• Total loss or non-delivery: Within 15 days after the date the goods should have been delivered.
• Delay claims: Within 21 days after the goods have been delivered.

A formal written claim must be filed within 9 months of the date of delivery (or the date the goods should have been delivered). See our Claims Process & Terms for full details.

Bolt Freight and its Carriers have a general lien on all goods (and documents relating to them) in their possession for any amounts due from the Shipper or Consignee, whether for the current shipment or any prior shipment. Bolt Freight may sell the goods to satisfy the lien after giving reasonable notice to the Shipper and Consignee.

No agent, employee, or representative of Bolt Freight has authority to vary, amend, or waive any term of the BOL except in writing signed by an authorized officer of Bolt Freight. Any variation or waiver shall not constitute a general waiver or amend the terms for any other shipment.

The BOL and the contract of carriage shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, United States. Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration held in Denver, Colorado, in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions of our Terms of Service.