Building on the Carrier Self Check-Out feature, warehouses using Opendock can now require carriers to digitally sign a Bill of Lading (BOL) as part of the self check-out flow. 

How It Works

This feature operates as an integration between Opendock and ShipperGuide. The BOL lives in Shipper Guide and is enriched with real-time data from Opendock, including arrival time, seal number, and trailer number before the carrier signs it.

Flow overview:

1. Appointment is created in Opendock
2. Shipment is created in Shipper Guide and linked to the Opendock appointment (this connection is required for the BOL to be available at check-out)
3. Carrier checks in via QR code or tablet
4. Warehouse operator completes the visit and this data enriches the BOL in Shipper Guide
5. Carrier scans the Check-Out QR code, enters their phone number to match their check-in
6. Carrier reviews and digitally signs the BOL
7. Carrier prints, saves, or emails the signed BOL

How to Use

For Gate/Warehouse Administrators in Opendock:

1. Go to Opendock > Warehouse > Settings > Gate Management > Check-Out

2. Select ‘yes’ as the option for "Check-out BOL Signed Required” if you want to enforce BOL signing at check-out

3. Copy the confirmation number of your appointment (go to appointments > click on the appointment > go to confirmation number and copy it) 

4. Ensure the Shipper Guide integration is active for your facility, this is required for the BOL to be pulled into the check-out flow
5. When creating appointments, confirm that the corresponding shipment in ShipperGuide is linked to the Opendock appointment

Once in ShipperGuide:

1. Go to Shipments > clink on the shipment

2. Confirm the appointment

   

3. Add the confirmation number (the same you've copied in Opendock)

   

4. And click on "Finish and close" to save the information 

For Drivers/Carriers:

1. When ready to depart, scan the Check-Out QR code displayed at the gate.

2. Click on Start Check-Out

   

3. Enter your phone number (must match what was used at check-in).

   

4. Complete any additional fields shown on the form. 

5. Review the BOL displayed on screen 

   

6. Scroll down until you find the field to sign digitally using the on-screen signature tool and check mark the agreement option.

   

7. Choose to print, save, or email your signed copy

   

   

8. Click on "Finish Checkout", then the appointment moves to "Completed"

📹 See it in action: Watch the eBOL demo video

Important Behaviors & Edge Cases

⚠️ Note: If BOL signing is required, carriers will be blocked from completing check-out until a valid, signable BOL is accessible. Make sure appointments are properly linked to Shipper Guide shipments before the carrier arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens if a carrier tries to check out but there's no BOL available?

A: If BOL signing is set to required, the carrier will not be able to complete check-out. This can happen in two scenarios: the asset visit was not linked to an appointment (identified as soon as the carrier enters their phone number or license plate), or the BOL failed to load from Shipper Guide. In both cases, the gate operator will need to resolve the linkage or disable the BOL requirement for that visit before the carrier can proceed.

Q2: Does the carrier need to be connected to Shipper Guide themselves to sign the BOL?

A: No. The carrier interacts only with the Opendock check-out form, via QR code or tablet. The Shipper Guide integration is handled on the warehouse/operator side. The carrier simply reviews and signs the BOL as it is presented to them, then optionally prints or emails their copy.

Q3: What data appears on the BOL when the carrier signs it?

A: The BOL originates in Shipper Guide but is enriched with real-time data pulled from Opendock during the visi, including the arrival time, seal number, and trailer number. This enrichment happens when the warehouse operator completes the visit form after check-in. By the time the carrier reaches the check-out signing step, the BOL reflects the full visit details.