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

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

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.