Read the exact form
Section numbering and wording are form-specific. Review the actual front and reverse terms of the carrier’s BOL rather than relying on a description from another carrier or a historical form.
Traditional straight BOL terms
Section 7 non-recourse on a bill of lading: an operational guide
Section 7 is a traditional Uniform Straight Bill of Lading election that a consignor may be asked to sign. It is not a generic “no liability” switch, and its effect depends on the actual BOL terms, carrier process, and governing agreement.
Treat Section 7 as a deliberate election, not a default signature
On traditional Uniform Straight forms, the Section 7 non-recourse area concerns the consignor’s instruction about delivery without collection of freight charges. It should be handled only by a person with authority who understands the carrier’s applicable form and commercial arrangement.
The same field should not be copied into every transport document. DockBOL keeps the Section 7 option in its standard Straight BOL flow and keeps the VICS/GS1 signature layout distinct. That layout choice does not decide the legal or financial effect of a signature.
This is a high-consequence field
Do not sign Section 7 simply because a template displays it. Confirm the current carrier form, the collection arrangement, and who is authorized to make the election. Get qualified legal or commercial guidance when the responsibility is unclear.
A safe way to handle the field
Confirm the collection plan
Make sure the freight terms, bill-to information, and carrier collection process agree before anyone signs. A Section 7 election is not a substitute for completing those fields.
Use an authorized signer
The person signing should have authority to make the company’s instruction. Do not prefill a signature just to make a BOL appear complete.
Keep document types distinct
A standard domestic Straight BOL, a VICS/GS1 document, an order BOL, and a carrier-specific form need not use the same Section 7 treatment. Follow the correct document and process.
Before a consignor signs Section 7
- 1Confirm that this exact carrier form uses a Section 7 non-recourse election.
- 2Read the visible terms and any incorporated carrier terms that govern the shipment.
- 3Verify the approved freight-term and billing arrangement with the carrier or broker.
- 4Confirm the signer has authority to make the election for the consignor.
- 5Keep a completed copy with the transaction record and escalate uncertainty before tendering.
Section 7 questions
Does Section 7 mean the shipper has no responsibility for freight charges?
Do not assume that. The effect depends on the actual terms, the parties’ agreement, and applicable law. Review the specific carrier form and obtain qualified advice if responsibility is in question.
Should I sign Section 7 on every BOL?
No. It is not a default completion step. Use it only when the actual carrier form and your authorized commercial process call for it.
Does the VICS BOL use DockBOL’s Section 7 field?
No. DockBOL keeps the standard-form Section 7 option separate from the VICS/GS1 document’s signature layout. Confirm the receiver and carrier requirements for the document you use.
Related guides
Sources & scope
Updated August 22, 2026. Scope: U.S. domestic general freight and traditional Uniform Straight BOL terminology. This guide is not legal, claims, carrier-tariff, or payment-responsibility advice; use the current carrier form and qualified guidance for a live decision.
- Transportation & Logistics Council Q&A on bill-of-lading freight terms — industry discussion of Uniform Straight BOL Section 7 terminology
- 49 CFR §373.101 — covered motor-carrier BOL baseline
Use the standard BOL field only when the process supports it
DockBOL’s Straight BOL form preserves a distinct Section 7 non-recourse field rather than applying it to every document. Complete it only after the carrier-approved review.
Free · no account · document preparation, not legal advice