What Is a Bill of Lading? The Shipping Document That Construction AP Needs to Know

A bill of lading is a legal document that accompanies shipped goods — it confirms the carrier received the goods for transport, describes what's being shipped, and transfers liability along the way. In construction, bills of lading apply to long-haul material shipments (steel, equipment, specialty materials). Here is what a BOL contains, how it differs from a delivery ticket, and when it matters in AP reconciliation.