Overhaul launches SecureBOL to verify Bills of Lading and detect shipping fraud

The global shipping industry loses an estimated $52 billion to fraud every year. Nearly a quarter of that is linked directly to bad actors altering Bills of Lading (BOLs). Paper BOLs are easily modified, disputed, or even just misplaced. To solve this weak link in the shipment process, Overhaul has launched SecureBOL, which creates a digital copy of a BOL and provides instant, verifiable proof of authenticity at delivery.

SecureBOL links a photo of the signed BOL to a tamper-evident QR code that is placed on the document. Since the label travels with the freight, it provides a verifiable reference to the original BOL throughout transit. At delivery, the receiver scans the QR code and accesses the document through a secure, PIN-protected web page. Cross-referencing the paper BOL with the digital version immediately exposes any discrepancies and verifies validity.

"Disputes over BOLs delay shipments and drive up costs significantly for carriers and shippers," said Jonathan Ryan, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Overhaul. "SecureBOL restores trust in the process by providing digital proof that is so much stronger than a piece of paper. It eliminates the risk of these documents being lost or changed without notice, and ensures every party can accept deliveries with confidence."

Delivery outcomes, including receiver acceptance, rejection, discrepancies, and proof of delivery, are recorded in the program's shipment timeline. This triggers automated notifications to relevant contacts and creates an auditable record for carriers, shippers, and third-party logistics providers.

For example, if a shipper claims a full load was sent, but the retailer reports a shortage, the digital BOL shows exactly what was recorded at pickup, catching fraud before the payment dispute escalates. If a driver were to hand over a BOL that's missing three pallets, the digital version shows the unaltered document, allowing the receiver to reject the delivery and prevent loss.

Unlike traditional document management systems, SecureBOL requires no apps, hardware upgrades, or account setup for receivers to verify documents at delivery. It integrates seamlessly into existing workflows and can be deployed independently or as part of the Shipment Connect app. SecureBOL QR code labels are shipped ready for immediate use.

Overhaul will provide demonstrations of SecureBOL at Manifest Vegas 2026, Feb. 9-11, at booth 280 in the Venetian Expo Hall.