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Electronic Bills of Lading

Entry DateFebruary 20, 2008
Issue Number08-013-DRV
NameBlair Fant
AgencyState of Alaska Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Address11900 Industry Way Building MAnchorage, AK, 99577United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone(907) 365-1235
Fax(907) 345-7838
Email[email protected]
CommitteeDriver-Traffic Enforcement Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

We are running into loads being delivered with electronic bills of lading. Some of these do not have an origin printed on the bill of lading. Some only have a bar code for the description of items on the load. At roadside, it is impossible to determine where the load originated. It is also impossible to determine if there is any HazMat on the load.

Justification or Need

Without the origin on the bill of lading for these loads, it is impossible to determine if this is an interstate, intrastate or an international shipment. Most of the contacts made so far, the driver had no idea where it came from. They stated they were only told to deliver this load to the destination. Also, without the item description being spelled out, it is impossible to determine if there is any hazmat or prohibited items present on the load unless the driver was aware of it and offers the information.

Request for Action

Request that either the rules concerning bills of lading to be made so the required information is present for the roadside officer or clarification given on how to properly deal with this situation. Electronic bills of lading are fine unless they are missing critical information.