A bill of lading is a type of document that is used to acknowledge the receipt of a shipment of goods. A bill of lading certifies the receiving and delivery of a vehicle and the condition in which it was received and delivered. It should be verified and signed at both the point of pickup and delivery. An instrument issued by the carrier (a transporter of goods) to the consignor (the shipper of goods), consisting of a receipt for the goods and an agreement to carry them from the place of shipment to the place of destination, is a bill of lading. Every bill must contain the following essentials - the date of its issue, the name and destination from whom the goods have been received, the place where the goods have to be transported, the description of goods, statement as to whom the goods have to delivered, the signature of the carrier.