Product area: Gate Management

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. Once the carrier signs, ShipperGuide receives the Proof of Pickup (PoP) and the check-out timestamp automatically. The carrier can also print or email the signed BOL on the spot.

How it works

This feature is an integration between Opendock and ShipperGuide. The BOL originates in ShipperGuide and is enriched with real-time visit data from Opendock — including arrival time, seal number, and trailer number — before the carrier signs it.

Once signed, ShipperGuide automatically receives the proof of pickup (PoP) and check-out timestamp. The carrier can print, save, or email their signed copy on the spot.

End-to-end flow

1. Appointment is created in Opendock
2. Shipment is created in ShipperGuide and linked to the Opendock appointment
3. Carrier checks in via QR code or tablet at the gate
4. Warehouse operator completes the visit form — this data enriches the BOL in ShipperGuide
5. Carrier scans the check-out QR code and enters their phone number to match their check-in
6. Carrier reviews and digitally signs the BOL on screen
7. Carrier prints, saves, or emails their signed copy
8. ShipperGuide automatically receives the PoP and check-out timestamp — appointment moves to Completed

Before you begin: prerequisites

The following must be in place before enabling BOL signing at check-out:

• ShipperGuide TMS integration must be active for your facility
• Appointment linkage — each Opendock appointment must be linked to its corresponding ShipperGuide shipment
• Carrier self check-out must be enabled for your facility

⚠️ Important: If BOL signing is set to required, carriers will be blocked from completing check-out until a valid, signable BOL is accessible. Ensure all appointments are properly linked to ShipperGuide shipments before the carrier arrives.

Setup steps for gate and warehouse administrators

Step 1 — Enable BOL signing in Opendock settings

1. In Opendock, go to Warehouse > Settings > Gate Management > Check-Out
2. Set Check-out BOL signed required to Yes
3. Save your settings

Step 2 — Link your appointment to a ShipperGuide shipment

1. Create the appointment in Opendock and copy the confirmation number
2. Open the corresponding shipment in ShipperGuide
3. Add the Opendock confirmation number to the shipment record
4. Confirm the appointment to complete the link

Step 3 — Verify before the carrier arrives

1. Confirm the ShipperGuide TMS integration is active for your facility
2. Confirm the appointment and shipment are properly linked
3. After the carrier checks in, complete the visit form in Opendock — this enriches the BOL with arrival time, seal number, and trailer number

Edge cases and expected behaviors

Frequently asked questions

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

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

Does the carrier need access to ShipperGuide to sign the BOL?

No. The carrier interacts only with the Opendock check-out form — via QR code or tablet. The ShipperGuide integration is handled entirely on the warehouse and operator side. The carrier simply reviews and signs the BOL as presented, then optionally prints or emails their copy.

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

The BOL originates in ShipperGuide but is enriched with real-time data from Opendock during the visit — including 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 signing step, the BOL reflects the full visit details.

Where does the proof of pickup go after the carrier signs?

Once the carrier signs, ShipperGuide automatically receives the proof of pickup (PoP) and the check-out timestamp — no manual action needed. The appointment status in Opendock also updates to Completed.

📹 See it in action: Watch the eBOL demo video for a guided walkthrough of the full check-out signing flow.