For decades, the bill of lading (BOL) has been the backbone of freight movement. Unfortunately, in many warehouses and distribution centers, that backbone is still paper-based—introducing delays, errors, and unnecessary risk into an already complex supply chain.
As shipping volumes increase and documentation requirements tighten, paper BOLs are no longer sustainable. Forward-thinking shippers, manufacturers, and 3PLs are turning to electronic bills of lading (eBOLs) to modernize operations, improve visibility, and reduce costs.
Paper bills of lading may feel familiar, but they come with significant operational drawbacks:
Driver delays and detention caused by manual check-in and document handling
Lost or damaged paperwork, leading to delayed invoicing and claims disputes
Manual data entry errors that impact inventory, billing, and reporting
Slow access to PODs during audits, chargebacks, or customer disputes
Compliance risks due to incomplete or improperly stored documents
These inefficiencies compound across locations, shipments, and carriers—creating friction that directly impacts your bottom line.
An electronic bill of lading replaces paper with a secure, digital workflow that connects drivers, warehouses, and back-office systems in real time.
With SmartBOL, organizations can:
Digitally create BOLs directly from their WMS or ERP
Capture shipper, carrier, and driver signatures electronically
Automatically store documents for long-term retrieval
Instantly access PODs and shipping records
Eliminate manual scanning, filing, and re-keying
The result is faster throughput, better data accuracy, and fewer downstream issues.
Driver check-in is one of the biggest bottlenecks at the dock. SmartBOL enables self-check-in using QR codes, kiosks, or mobile devices—reducing wait times and keeping freight moving.
By pairing eBOLs with automated driver workflows, facilities can:
Reduce driver detention
Improve dock scheduling efficiency
Minimize congestion in yards and staging areas
Create a better experience for carriers and drivers
Overages, shortages, and damages (OS&D) are inevitable—but managing them doesn’t have to be manual.
SmartBOL allows teams to capture exceptions at the point of shipment or receipt, attach photos and notes, and tie everything directly to the BOL. This creates a clear, auditable trail that helps resolve disputes faster and reduces chargebacks.
When audits, customer disputes, or internal reviews arise, fast access to shipping documents is critical.
SmartBOL securely stores shipping documents for extended retention periods and makes them searchable by shipment, date, carrier, or customer. Teams can retrieve PODs and BOLs in seconds instead of hours or days.
SmartBOL is designed to fit into your current tech stack. The platform integrates with leading WMS, ERP, and shipping systems such as Oracle, SAP, JDE, Blue Yonder, Pacejet, and more—ensuring that data flows automatically without disrupting operations.
Customers consistently see ROI through:
Reduced labor tied to paperwork and scanning
Faster invoicing and cash flow
Fewer claims and disputes
Lower detention costs
Improved operational visibility
For many organizations, the savings from eliminating paper alone justify the move.
Paper bills of lading belong to a different era—one that can’t keep up with today’s supply chain demands. Electronic bills of lading aren’t just a technology upgrade; they’re a competitive advantage.
SmartBOL helps organizations modernize shipping documentation, streamline driver interactions, and gain real-time visibility across their logistics operations.
Ready to see SmartBOL in action?
Request a demo and discover how digital BOLs can transform your operation.