Proof of delivery (POD)

In practice

You deliver, the receiver signs the bill of lading, and you photograph it before you leave the dock. That signed BOL is the POD. You send it to the broker, or to your factoring company, with your invoice and the rate confirmation.

Receiver signature

Printed name too

Date and time

Delivered 10/12, 9:40 a.m.

Exceptions

None, or listed clearly

Load / PO number

Matches the rate con

Pages

All pages, readable

Sent

Same day, with invoice

EXAMPLE values. Each broker lists the documents it requires.

Why the POD matters for getting paid

• Brokers usually won't pay until they have it.
• Factoring companies typically need it to verify the load before advancing money; see how factoring works.
• Claims are decided by what the POD says. A clean POD protects you; a POD with exceptions written on it starts a claim.

Common POD problems

1. No signature or no printed name. Ask before you pull away.
2. Unreadable photos. Use a scanning app, flat and in good light.
3. Missing pages. Multi-page BOLs need every page.
4. Exceptions you didn't see. Read what the receiver wrote before you leave.
5. Sent late. Every day the POD sits in the truck is a day later you're paid.

Is a POD the same as a BOL?

Usually it's the same document at a different stage. The bill of lading is signed by you at pickup; once the receiver signs it at delivery, it's the proof of delivery.

Can a POD be electronic?

Yes. Many receivers and brokers use electronic signatures and app uploads. Whatever the format, it needs the receiver's signature or confirmation, the date and time, and any exceptions.

What if the receiver won't sign?

Tell the broker immediately, write down who refused and when, and photograph the delivered freight. Don't leave a load undocumented.