Bill of lading field
What is a PRO number on a bill of lading?
The PRO number is the carrier's own tracking number for the shipment. It is normally blank on the copy you print, because the driver writes it in or sticks a PRO label on at pickup. It is what you quote to trace the freight.
Why it matters
It is the number the carrier's systems are indexed on. Calling a terminal with your BOL number gets you a pause; calling with the PRO gets you an answer.
The mistake that costs money
Inventing one to fill the box. A made-up PRO will not match anything in the carrier's system, and it makes your paperwork look wrong at exactly the moment somebody is checking it.
Worth knowing
- Leave it blank if you do not have it. Blank is correct and expected.
- "PRO" is short for progressive number — carriers issue them in sequence.
- Write it onto your file copy once the driver gives it to you.
- One shipment, one PRO. A split shipment gets more than one, which is worth knowing before you chase the wrong half.