Which number should you use?

  • Tracking an LTL shipment with the carrier: start with the PRO number
  • Asking about the transportation document: use the BOL number
  • Asking the buyer about the commercial order: use the PO number
  • If one number does not return the shipment, try the other shipment references shown on the BOL

PRO number

A PRO number is commonly the carrier-assigned tracking identifier for an LTL shipment.

The carrier issues it.

Use it when:

  • Tracking directly with the LTL carrier
  • Calling a carrier terminal
  • Requesting shipment status
  • Looking for delivery documents tied to the carrier record

Some carriers also accept BOL or reference numbers for tracking, but the PRO is usually the fastest carrier-side identifier.

BOL number

A BOL number identifies the bill of lading or shipment document created for the move.

It may be generated by:

  • The shipper
  • A broker or TMS
  • A carrier
  • A customer shipping system

The BOL number is useful when you are trying to connect the physical freight with its transportation paperwork.

Use the bill of lading checklist before release.

PO number

A PO number identifies the buyer's purchase order.

The buyer or customer issues it.

It belongs to the commercial order, not the carrier's tracking system.

Use it when:

  • The receiver asks which order is arriving
  • The warehouse is matching freight to an order
  • The customer is checking quantities or purchased items

A carrier may store the PO as a shipment reference, but that does not make it the carrier's main tracking number.

One shipment can have all three

Example:

  • PO 48217 — the buyer's order
  • BOL 2026-0915-004 — the shipping document
  • PRO 123456789 — the LTL carrier's tracking record

They can all point to the same freight from different systems.

Why the wrong number wastes time

If you give a receiving clerk only the PRO number, their purchasing system may not recognize it.

If you give the carrier only the PO number, it may return several records or no record at all.

Match the number to the person you are asking.

Carrier search options vary

TForce Freight, for example, supports tracking by PRO and BOL/reference information, while other carriers may expose different search fields. Keep all shipment references together instead of assuming one identifier works everywhere.

What should go in your shipment record?

Keep:

  • PRO number
  • BOL number
  • PO number
  • Broker load number
  • Carrier name
  • Pickup date
  • Origin
  • Destination

That makes it much easier to cross-reference systems.

Chasing a shipment and cannot find the right record?

Send the PRO, BOL, PO and carrier name you have and I will help sort out which reference should lead to the shipment.

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