BOL vs. PRO vs. Reference Numbers in Freight Tracking

In freight shipping, the same shipment can end up with several different tracking numbers. That’s the norm, but it’s also a big reason why shipment tracking can get confusing.

The good news: you don’t need to memorize all these numbers. With Freightera, tracking your shipment is simple: your Freightera BOL number is usually all you need, as we track the carrier’s PROs and reference numbers behind the scenes.

But if you’re curious what’s happening in the background, this guide will walk you through what each number is for.

The three main types of tracking numbers in freight shipping

1. BOL number (Bill of Lading number)
   
   Your BOL number is printed on your Bill of Lading (the main document for the shipment).
   
   On Freightera, our system creates a BOL automatically, and assigns a BOL number when you book, and this number is used to identify the shipment in Freightera’s system. It’s the “main ID” for the shipment.
   
   
2. PRO number (carrier tracking number)
   
   The carrier creates the PRO (Progressive Rotating Order) when they enter the freight into their system, usually at the first terminal (LTL) or via their dispatch/driver app (FTL).
   
   You’ll usually see the PRO number on the driver’s sticker or stamp on your BOL copy, on the carrier’s tracking page, and on carrier paperwork and invoices.
   
   It’s used for tracking the shipment directly on the carrier’s website, and as the main shipment ID you should use when you call the carrier’s terminal or customer service.
   
   
3. Reference numbers
   
   “Reference number” is a catch-all term that can refer to:

• A PO (Purchase Order) number, or a pickup reference number
• A job/project number
• Your BOL number (used as a reference in the carrier system)
• A previous PRO that becomes a reference after handoff to a partner carrier

Carriers often keep these attached to the shipment for searching and cross-checking, but they’re usually secondary to the PRO in their system.

Quick guide: which number to use for tracking freight

Short answer: When you’re tracking your shipment with Freightera, just use your Freightera BOL number. We track all carrier PROs and reference numbers behind the scenes.

And for freight shipping in general, here’s a cheat sheet:

• Before pickup (confirming the truck is coming): Use the pickup reference number
• Right after pickup, before tracking shows online: Use the BOL or the pickup number
• For tracking on the carrier’s website: Use the PRO number
• If your shipment moves to a partner carrier, the new carrier creates a new PRO. The old PRO usually becomes a reference number in the new carrier’s system
• With Freightera, your BOL number stays the same in almost all cases: we follow the chain for you.

Why tracking numbers sometimes change

On some lanes (especially in long-distance or cross-border shipping), your booked carrier may use a partner carrier to cover part of the trip.

In this case, this is what usually happens:

1. The original carrier picks up, and they assign a PRO number and move the freight to their terminal.
2. Shipment is handed off to a partner carrier, and they create a new PRO in their system. The original PRO is stored as a reference number.
3. On the original carrier’s site, you may see a tracking note such as “transferred to partner” or similar. On the partner carrier’s site, you track with the new PRO.

With Freightera, you don’t need to chase each new number. You can use your Freightera BOL number while tracking your shipment on our website.

Your Freightera BOL number. That’s the best way for us to find your shipment, even if multiple carriers and PROs are involved.

That’s usually the carrier’s PRO number (their tracking ID). You can use it on the carrier’s own website or if you call their terminal directly.

Because each carrier creates its own PRO when they receive the freight. When the load is handed off to a partner carrier, the new carrier issues a new PRO, and the old one becomes a reference number. The shipment itself hasn’t changed, just the internal ID on the carriers’ side.

Sometimes. Many carriers allow searching by reference number, but it’s less reliable than using the PRO. For example, if you call the delivery terminal, they may not have your pickup number in their system. On Freightera, the best choice is still your BOL number.

The pickup number is mainly for confirming the truck is coming or has attempted pickup. The PRO (tracking) usually appears after the freight is scanned at the terminal. That’s why tracking often “turns on” later the same day or the next morning.

Not really. It helps to understand them, but in practice, you can just use your Freightera BOL number on our platform or when you contact us, and we’ll handle the carrier PROs and reference numbers for you.