Search

NMFTA Updates Bill of Lading Standards

Posted on 9/19/2016 by Roger Marks

While our transportation-related posts typically focus on hazmat shipping here at Lion News, the update below is critical for shippers of all kinds. The updates to Bills of Lading discussed below do not affect the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations in any way.

New standards for Bills of Lading (BOL) used in ground transportation took effect on August 13, 2016. They affect the Uniform Bill of Lading, the Straight Bill of Lading, and the Straight BOL-Short Form.

US shippers and carriers should review the updated requirements, which are found in Supplement 2 of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) version NMF 100-AP. While many high-volume shippers may have their own shipping contracts in place with carriers, smaller businesses and less-than-truckload (LTL) shippers often rely on the BOL terms and conditions to serve as a contract.

Changes to Bill of Lading Terms and Conditions

Found on the back of the Bill of Lading are terms and conditions that outline the responsibilities for shippers and carriers with respect to considerations like property loss or damage and expected delivery times.

Changes to the BOL terms in the update, effective August 13, 2016, include:
  • Places the burden of proof for carrier negligence resulting in loss, damage, or delay on the shipper.
  • Adds two new conditions under which the carrier is not liable for loss, damage, or delay: “riots or strikes” and “any related causes”
  • Gives carriers more flexibility to deliver shipments “in the regular course of its providing transportation services” and not on a particular schedule (unless agreed upon in writing or electronically).
  • Updates the deadline for reporting claims-for-loss to a carrier to “not more than nine (9) months from the date of the bill of lading”
Bill of lading changes for shippers and carriers

George Carl Pezold, Executive Director of the Transportation and Logistics Council (T&LC), highlights and comments on the critical changes to the Bill Of Lading requirements here. 

ICC Compliance Center posted a breakdown of changing Bill of Lading requirements to its blog last week.

Last Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Workshops of 2016!

The final Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Workshops (49 CFR, IATA, IMDG) of 2016 are starting soon.  Get up to speed with the latest rules for hazmat ground, air, and vessel shippers—including new rules for air shipments in the 58th edition IATA Dangerous Goods Regualtions—when the workshops come to Kansas City on October 25-28, Detroit on October 31-November 3, Cincinnati on October 31- November 3, Pittsburgh on December 5-8, and Chicago on December 12-15.

Sign up now to keep your hazmat shipments in compliance, in 2017 and beyond!

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.