How to Create Compliant Hemp Shipping Documentation (2026 Guide)

Moving hemp in 2026 requires flawless paperwork. One missing COA, one inaccurate invoice, or one mislabeled pallet can still trigger delays, seizures, or unnecessary police involvement — even for fully legal hemp shipments.

This guide breaks down every document you need, exactly how to fill them out correctly, and how DNLogistic ensures full compliance.

Quick Answer

To ship hemp compliantly in 2026, you need:

1. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
2. Hemp License / Permit
3. Bill of Lading (BOL)
4. Packing List
5. Commercial Invoice
6. Carrier Compliance Packet
7. Driver Instructions Packet

All documents must match exact product details, THC %, shipper info, and destination info, with no discrepancies.

1. Certificate of Analysis (COA)

This is the most important document in hemp freight.

A COA must include:

• Lab name, address, license
• Batch number
• THC (delta-9 + THCA conversion)
• CBD content
• QR code
• Date tested
• Product description

Common COA Mistakes That Cause Seizures

• COA older than 6 months
• COA missing QR code
• COA THC calculation not following federal formula
• COA does not match pallet label

2. Hemp License or Permit

Every shipper must provide proof they are legally authorized to handle hemp.

Documents include:

• State hemp license
• State registration certificate
• Processor or handler permit

Carrier Must Also Be Approved

DNLogistic only uses carriers who:

• have transported hemp before
• have hemp-approved insurance
• are fully vetted through our compliance team

3. Bill of Lading (BOL)

The BOL must clearly state:

• Shipper name & address
• Receiver name & address
• Hemp product description
• Weight
• Count
• NMFC code
• Special instructions

2026 BOL Wording That Prevents Issues

Use wording like:

“Industrial hemp – Farm Bill compliant – THC <0.3% (with COA attached).”

Avoid wording like:

“Flower,” “bud,” “cannabis,” “material,” or anything ambiguous.

4. Packing List

This document must match the shipment exactly.

Include:

• Pallet numbers
• Carton numbers
• Weight
• Batch numbers
• Corresponding COA batch

5. Commercial Invoice

Required for:

• Customs (if international)
• High-value freight
• Insurance verification

Must include:

• Product type (biomass, isolate, tincture, etc.)
• Quantity
• Declared value
• Country of origin

6. Carrier Compliance Packet

This includes:

• Carrier hemp contract addendum
• Insurance certificate (hemp-approved)
• Copy of driver’s license
• Equipment type
• Routing instructions

DNLogistic prepares this for all shipments.

7. Driver Instruction Packet (Critical for Avoiding Confiscation)

Drivers must have:

• Printed COA
• Printed BOL
• Printed invoice
• Shipper & receiver contact sheet
• Talking points for law enforcement

Driver Script Example

“This shipment contains federally legal industrial hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. All documentation is on hand, including COAs, licenses, and batch verification.”

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How DNLogistic Ensures Fully Compliant Documentation

We handle everything before pickup, including:

✔ Full COA verification
✔ Reviewing all paperwork for accuracy
✔ Batch-to-COA matching
✔ Creating driver packet
✔ Providing law enforcement-ready documentation
✔ Ensuring carriers are certified for hemp

This reduces the risk of:

• seizure
• delays
• police escalation
• carrier refusals

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Conclusion

Shipping hemp in 2026 demands more than just a carrier and a COA — it requires airtight documentation, strict compliance, and a logistics partner that understands fast-changing federal and state regulations. With the right paperwork in place, your shipments move faster, avoid unnecessary inspections, and stay fully protected against seizure, delays, or insurance denials.

At DNLogistic, we handle every step of compliant hemp transport — from preparing COAs and shipper affidavits to coordinating export paperwork, insurance, bonded carriers, and real-time tracking. Whether you’re moving biomass, extracts, or high-value isolates, our compliance-first process ensures your freight arrives safely, legally, and without surprises.

If you want to simplify documentation and eliminate risk, DNLogistic is ready to support you with 2026-ready hemp logistics that meet every regulatory requirement.