The documentation required with a shipment varies depending upon the type of transportation a company is performing and whether a contract governing rates and conditions exists between the shipper and the carrier. Common types of transporters are for-hire carriers, for-hire exempt commodity carriers, private carriers, freight forwarders, and haulers of hazardous materials.

Regardless of the kind of transportation, load documentation is an important consideration for all shipments. Proper load paperwork assists enforcement in verifying the load is being legally transported, serves as supporting documentation for log audits during a carrier review or roadside inspection, and offers protection to the carrier when it comes to freight damage or loss claims.