Dayton Freight BOL vs. PRO Number – What’s the Difference?

When you’re shipping with Dayton Freight, two terms will come up over and over again: the BOL (Bill of Lading) and the PRO Number. If you’re wondering what they are, how they differ, and how they affect your shipment, you’re in the right place.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Dayton Freight BOL vs. PRO Number, using real-world examples, shipping insights, and expert-level advice. Whether you’re a freight broker, business owner, or first-time shipper, we’ll make it simple and clear.

What is a BOL (Bill of Lading) in Freight Shipping?

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal shipping document that outlines the details of a freight shipment. It acts as:

A receipt of goods
A contract of carriage
A title of goods

📄 What’s Included in a Dayton Freight BOL?

Field	Description
Shipper & Consignee	Who is sending and receiving the goods
Description of Goods	Type, weight, quantity
Freight Class	Used for rate calculation
Special Instructions	Handling notes or delivery requests
PRO Number Field	For carrier tracking reference

🔢 What is a PRO Number?

A PRO Number (Progressive Rotating Order number) is a unique tracking ID assigned by the carrier to every shipment.

Think of it like a tracking number for LTL freight.
It’s generated by Dayton Freight once the shipment is picked up and entered into their system.

Where to Find It:

On the shipping label
On the BOL (if pre-assigned)
On Dayton Freight’s website or customer portal

🆚 Key Differences: Dayton Freight BOL vs. PRO Number

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two identifiers differ:

Feature	BOL Number	PRO Number
Purpose	Contractual document	Tracking identifier
Created By	Shipper or freight broker	Dayton Freight
When It’s Used	Before and during transit	During and after pickup
Format	Usually alphanumeric	Typically 9-10 digit numeric
Used For	Legal reference, claims	Shipment tracking

🛠️ Why You Need Both

You can’t ship freight with Dayton—or any LTL carrier—without both numbers working in harmony.

The BOL initiates the shipment and contains all the essential info.
The PRO number tracks the shipment through the carrier’s system.

💡 How Dayton Freight Uses BOL and PRO Numbers in Practice

Let’s look at a real-world example:

Scenario: A company in Chicago is shipping 5 pallets of auto parts to a distributor in Detroit.

The freight broker prepares a BOL with all necessary shipping info.
When Dayton Freight picks up the load, they assign a PRO number to the shipment.
The customer uses the Dayton Freight PRO tracking number to monitor the shipment in real-time.

Result? Seamless shipment and full visibility.

🔍 How to Track Your Freight Using a PRO Number

You can track your Dayton Freight shipment in 3 ways:

1. Online

Go to DaytonFreight.com
Click on “Track Shipment”
Enter your PRO number

2. Dayton Freight Customer Portal

Log in with your company credentials
Access full shipment history and status

3. Contact Customer Support

Call Dayton Freight and provide your BOL or PRO number

Pro tip: Always keep a copy of the Dayton Freight Bill of Lading PDF and your PRO number for reference.

📦 What Happens If You Lose One of the Numbers?

If you lose the BOL, you can usually regenerate it from your TMS or broker portal. If you lose the PRO number, contact Dayton Freight customer service with the shipment date, origin, and destination.

✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	How to Avoid It
Mixing up BOL and PRO	Remember: BOL = contract, PRO = tracking
Not including BOL with freight	Always attach it securely to the lead pallet
Tracking with the wrong number	Use PRO number for live updates
Assuming PRO is optional	Dayton Freight assigns a PRO to every shipment

🧠 Expert Tips for Shipping with Dayton Freight

Always confirm the freight class on your BOL to avoid reclassification fees
Use a Dayton Freight PRO label template to print barcodes for scanning
If you’re using third-party logistics software, ensure it integrates with Dayton Freight for automatic PRO assignment

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🙋‍♂️ FAQ: Dayton Freight BOL vs. PRO Number

1. What does BOL mean in shipping?

It stands for Bill of Lading, a legal contract between shipper and carrier.

2. What does PRO number mean?

It’s a tracking number used to identify your shipment.

3. Are BOL and PRO numbers the same?

No. BOL is a document; PRO is for tracking.

4. Can I track a shipment with just the BOL number?

Sometimes, but the PRO number is better for live tracking.

5. Where do I find my Dayton Freight PRO number?

On the shipping label, BOL, or via Dayton Freight’s website.

6. Who creates the BOL?

Typically, the shipper, broker, or freight forwarder.

7. Who assigns the PRO number?

Dayton Freight assigns it upon pickup.

8. Do I need both for a claim?

Yes, most claims require the BOL and PRO number.

9. Can I generate a PRO number before pickup?

Some systems allow pre-assigned PROs, but final confirmation comes from the carrier.

10. Is the PRO number unique?

Yes, each shipment has a unique PRO number.

11. Can I print my own Dayton Freight BOL?

Yes, via TMS or Dayton Freight’s web portal.

12. What if my PRO number isn’t working?

Double-check the number or call Dayton Freight support.

13. Can I ship freight without a BOL?

No. It’s a required document.

14. How long does it take for a PRO number to be assigned?

Usually within hours of pickup.

15. Can Dayton Freight help if I lose my PRO number?

Yes, provide shipment details like origin, date, and consignee.

📌 Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between a Dayton Freight BOL and a PRO number helps you:

Avoid costly mistakes
Improve shipping efficiency
Gain full shipment visibility

By keeping both the legal and tracking sides of your shipment organized, you ensure faster deliveries, fewer delays, and easier claims.

If you’re serious about freight logistics, mastering this distinction is non-negotiable.