why is a bill of lading important 
a bill of lading is a legally binding document that provides the carrier and the shipper with all the necessary details to accurately process a shipment it can be used in litigation if the need should arise and all parties involved will make a committed effort to ensure the accuracy of the document a bill of lading essentially works as undisputed proof of shipment it allows for the segregation of duties that is a vital part of a firm s internal control structure to prevent theft 