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The Bill of Lading is the essential document for tracking shipments during transportation. This document serves multiple critical purposes in the logistics process. It acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, detailing the specifics of the shipment including the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported.

Furthermore, the Bill of Lading provides proof of the carrier's receipt of the goods and outlines the responsibilities for both the shipper and the receiver. It also includes tracking information, which helps all parties involved monitor the shipment's progress and location during transportation.

In contrast, a Purchase Order is primarily used to initiate a purchase transaction, a Sales Invoice documents the sale and payment terms after the goods have been delivered, and an Inventory Report reflects the status of inventory levels but does not provide tracking information for specific shipments in transit.