DOCK TALLY / ARTICLES

The Bill

Understand bills of lading, shipment identifiers, addresses and the details recorded on freight documents.

A short carrier code is on the bill. The tractor at the door has its own name. You squint at the printed bill of…

The bill names a third party for the freight bill. You are the consignee. You smell rain coming off the loading bay asphalt, and…

The Bill6 min read

A seal number is on the bill. The seal is still on the trailer door. You brush road dust off the face of the…

The Bill6 min read

The terms box is marked. You need to see which word is checked. The rain is spitting off the edge of the awning above…

The Bill7 min read

An item number is on the bill. The carton does not show the same item. You run a gloved finger along the smudged print…

The Bill6 min read

One column says class. You are looking at that cell, not the rate under it. The pen mark there is smudged just enough to…

The Bill6 min read

The bill states a weight. The scale ticket is a separate slip. You’re leaning against the steel dock bumper, wind off the lot catching…

The Bill6 min read

A number of pieces is printed. You have not started counting yet. The pallet jack rests at your feet, the bill fluttering slightly in…

The Bill6 min read

The consignee line names a company. You are at one numbered door. The sun bleeds through the cracked upper panel of the door, gilding…

The Bill6 min read

The shipper block is filled in. The carton in front of you has a different name. You set down the freight document flat on…

The Bill7 min read

The bill is on the clipboard. The pro number is the first line you need. The forklift idles 20 feet away, its operator waiting…