--- title: What Is a Bill of Lading? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Bill of lading # What is a bill of lading? The bill of lading is the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation on an interstate move. The mover issues it at loading, you sign it, and you keep a copy until your move and any claim are settled. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Federal rules (49 CFR 375.505) require an interstate household goods mover to issue a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. It is one of the three documents that matter most on a move, with the estimate and the inventory. ## What the bill of lading does It does two jobs at once. First, it is a receipt: it shows the mover has taken your goods. Second, it is the contract: it records the terms under which the mover carries them, including the agreed pickup and delivery dates or periods, the valuation you chose and the charges. If there is ever a disagreement, the bill of lading is the paper both sides go back to. ## What it shows Among other things, the bill of lading names the mover and shows its USDOT number, lists the origin and destination, references the estimate and the order for service, records the valuation level you selected, and describes how the charges are calculated. On a move with O'Brien's, the USDOT number on it is 30611. ## When you get it The mover gives you the bill of lading at loading, before your goods leave. Read it before you sign: check the addresses, the dates, the valuation choice and the services. If something on it differs from your estimate, ask about it then, while the crew and the estimator can still fix it. ## How it affects your move Keep your copy in the box or folder that travels with you, not on the truck. You will need it at delivery, when you check the inventory, and if you ever file a loss or damage claim, which you have 9 months from delivery to do on an interstate move. ## Related documents - The written estimate (binding or non-binding) - The order for service - The household goods inventory, signed at pickup and delivery - The FMCSA booklets "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" and "Ready to Move?" ## A quick checklist at signing Taking two minutes at signing saves a long conversation later. If a line looks wrong, ask the crew lead before the truck leaves. - The names and addresses at origin and destination are right - The pickup and delivery dates or periods match what you agreed - The valuation level is the one you chose, in writing - The services listed match the estimate - You keep a copy, and it travels with you ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.505](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - [Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) - [Valuation coverage: released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Linehaul](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/linehaul/) - [White glove service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/white-glove-service/) - [Binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/binding-estimate/) - [Non binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-binding-estimate/) - [Not to exceed estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/not-to-exceed-estimate/) - [Released value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/released-value-protection/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) - [Order for service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/order-for-service/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I need a bill of lading for a local move? Federal bill of lading rules apply to interstate moves. Moves within Nevada follow the Nevada Transportation Authority's rules and tariff, and you still receive paperwork for your move. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070