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 58^th 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

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

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

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Download

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.