Overhaul launched SecureBOL, which creates a digital copy of a Bill of Lading (BOL) and provides instant, verifiable proof of authenticity at delivery.
“Disputes over BOLs delay shipments and drive up costs significantly for carriers and shippers,” says Jonathan Ryan, chief product and technology officer at Overhaul. “SecureBOL restores trust in the process by providing digital proof that is so much stronger than a piece of paper. It eliminates the risk of these documents being lost or changed without notice, and ensures every party can accept deliveries with confidence.”
Key takeaways:
· SecureBOL links a photo of the signed BOL to a tamper-evident QR code that is placed on the document. Since the label travels with the freight, it provides a verifiable reference to the original BOL throughout transit. At delivery, the receiver scans the QR code and accesses the document through a secure, PIN-protected web page. Cross-referencing the paper BOL with the digital version immediately exposes any discrepancies and verifies validity.
· Delivery outcomes, including receiver acceptance, rejection, discrepancies, and proof of delivery, are recorded in the program’s shipment timeline. This triggers automated notifications to relevant contacts and creates an auditable record for carriers, shippers, and third-party logistics providers.
· For example, if a shipper claims a full load was sent, but the retailer reports a shortage, the digital BOL shows exactly what was recorded at pickup, catching fraud before the payment dispute escalates. If a driver were to hand over a BOL that’s missing three pallets, the digital version shows the unaltered document, allowing the receiver to reject the delivery and prevent loss.
· Unlike traditional document management systems, SecureBOL requires no apps, hardware upgrades, or account setup for receivers to verify documents at delivery. It integrates seamlessly into existing workflows and can be deployed independently or as part of the Shipment Connect app.
