Waybill vs bill of lading: what's the difference?
Road waybills, sea waybills and bills of lading explained: what each one proves, when to use it and what it must include.
Every shipment needs a transport document. Which one depends on how the goods travel and whether ownership needs to change hands while they're on the way.
Bill of lading (B/L)
A bill of lading is issued by a sea carrier. It does three jobs: it's a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title. Whoever holds the original B/L can claim the goods, so it can be sold or used for bank financing while the cargo is at sea.
Sea waybill
A sea waybill is also a receipt and evidence of the contract, but it is not a document of title. The goods are released to the named consignee without presenting an original, which makes it faster and simpler when no trade finance is involved.
Road waybill
A road waybill goes with goods moved by truck or courier. It lists the shipper, consignee, goods, weights and delivery details, and the receiver signs it on delivery as proof.
What to include
- Shipper, consignee and notify party
- Port or place of loading and discharge (or pick-up and delivery addresses)
- Description of goods, packages, weights and marks
- Container and seal numbers for sea freight
- Vessel and voyage, or vehicle and driver details
- Date, place of issue and signatures
Our waybill tool creates road waybills, sea waybills and B/L drafts, checks container numbers and adds a tracking QR code.
