Part 373 — Receipts and Bills for Property Transported
49 CFR Part 373: The federal requirement for bills of lading and receipts on every interstate freight shipment.
Selling a commercial truck? We buy nationwide, any condition, any DOT status.
Sell My TruckOverview
49 CFR Part 373 requires motor carriers to issue a receipt or bill of lading for property they accept for transportation in interstate commerce. The bill of lading is the foundational shipping document in trucking — it serves simultaneously as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, a receipt for the goods, and a title document for the freight.
Part 373 establishes the minimum information that must appear on a bill of lading, including the names of the shipper and consignee, the origin and destination, a description of the goods, the declared weight, and the applicable rates and charges. The document creates the legal record of the shipment and is the primary evidence in any subsequent dispute over loss, damage, or charges.
Bills of lading also set the terms of liability between shippers and carriers. Under the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706), which governs carrier liability for loss and damage, the bill of lading is the document that determines what coverage applies. Carriers and shippers regularly negotiate liability limitations that must be reflected in the bill of lading to be legally enforceable.
Key Provisions
- Requires carriers to issue a receipt or bill of lading for all interstate freight accepted for transport.
- Sets minimum required information: shipper, consignee, origin, destination, goods description, weight, and charges.
- Bills of lading establish the legal contract of carriage and liability terms between carrier and shipper.
- Serves as the primary document in any dispute over loss, damage, or freight charges.
- Liability limitations negotiated by carriers and shippers must be reflected in the bill of lading to be enforceable.
Why It Matters to Truck Owners
Every commercial truck load moving in interstate commerce requires a bill of lading. Missing or incomplete bills of lading are a leading cause of cargo claims disputes and can expose carriers to full liability without the benefit of negotiated limitations. If you’re buying a truck from a carrier, their bill of lading practices are part of their operational history and compliance picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of lading legally required for every truck load?
Yes — for interstate freight, Part 373 requires carriers to issue a receipt or bill of lading for property accepted for transport. The bill of lading documents the terms of the shipment and is required for compliance with both Part 373 and the Carmack Amendment governing cargo liability.
What information must be on a bill of lading?
At minimum: names and addresses of the shipper and consignee, origin and destination points, a description of the goods, declared weight, and the applicable charges. Hazardous materials shipments have additional required notations under 49 CFR Part 172.
Can a carrier limit its liability on a bill of lading?
Yes — carriers can negotiate liability limitations with shippers, and those limitations must be stated on the bill of lading or incorporated by reference to a tariff to be enforceable. Under the Carmack Amendment, carriers can limit liability if they offer the shipper a choice of rates based on declared value and the shipper knowingly agrees.
Read the official legal text: 49 CFR Part 373 — eCFR.gov (official)
Related Federal Trucking Laws
- Part 376 — Lease and Interchange of Vehicles
- Part 377 — Payment of Transportation Charges
- Part 378 — Overcharge, Duplicate Payment, and Overcollection Claims
This page is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements at fmcsa.dot.gov or with a qualified transportation attorney.
Ready to Sell Your Commercial Truck?
No inspections. No compliance hassle. We buy trucks in any condition, in all 50 states.
Sell My Truck