Is Bill of Lading Legal in Maine? (2026)
Yes. In Maine, bill of lading is legal. Federal motor-carrier baseline: covered interstate or foreign shipments require a receipt or bill of lading with specified shipment information, subject to the low-value-package alternative..
Key facts
- Status
- Legal
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- Maine
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Bill of Lading laws in Maine
This explanation covers the federal motor-carrier receipt and bill-of-lading rules in 49 CFR 373.100–373.105. They apply to motor carriers subject to 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B, and property tendered for transportation in interstate or foreign commerce. It does not verify state commercial-code rules, ownership rights, negotiability, carrier liability or every transportation mode. Under 49 CFR 373.101, the covered carrier must issue a receipt or bill of lading containing the consignor and consignee names, origin and destination, package count, freight description, and weight, volume or measurement when applicable to rating the freight. The carrier must keep a record of this information under 49 CFR part 379. Under 49 CFR 373.105, the carrier and shipper may elect to waive the preceding documentation provisions and use a streamlined recordkeeping or documentation system for low-value packages, including the option under 49 U.S.C. 14706(c). The shipper ultimately determines which packages are low value; the regulation gives invoice value no greater than the cost of preparing a loss or damage claim as a useful guideline, rather than a universal dollar threshold. This motor-carrier explanation does not establish the separate freight-forwarder requirements in 49 CFR 373.201.
Frequently asked questions
Is bill of lading legal in Maine for travelers?
For travelers visiting Maine, bill of lading is currently legal. This explanation covers the federal motor-carrier receipt and bill-of-lading rules in 49 CFR 373.100–373.105. They apply to motor carriers subject to 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B, and property tendered for transportation in interstate or foreign commerce. It does not verify state commercial-code rules, ownership rights, negotiability, carrier liability or every transportation mode. Under 49 CFR 373.101, the covered carrier must issue a receipt or bill of lading containing the consignor and consignee names, origin and destination, package count, freight description, and weight, volume or measurement when applicable to rating the freight. The carrier must keep a record of this information under 49 CFR part 379. Under 49 CFR 373.105, the carrier and shipper may elect to waive the preceding documentation provisions and use a streamlined recordkeeping or documentation system for low-value packages, including the option under 49 U.S.C. 14706(c). The shipper ultimately determines which packages are low value; the regulation gives invoice value no greater than the cost of preparing a loss or damage claim as a useful guideline, rather than a universal dollar threshold. This motor-carrier explanation does not establish the separate freight-forwarder requirements in 49 CFR 373.201.
Do I need a permit for bill of lading in Maine?
Maine does not specifically require a permit for bill of lading, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport bill of lading through Maine?
Transport laws for bill of lading in Maine depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for bill of lading violations in Maine?
Penalties for bill of lading violations in Maine vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.