What is the difference between BL and WB?

In the world of maritime shipping, both the Bill of Lading and the Sea Waybill are essential documents that cannot be overlooked. Each has specific uses and important details for all parties involved in shipping operations. But what is the difference between these two documents? And how do you choose the one that best suits your needs? In the following article, we will explain the differences between a Bill of Lading and a Sea Waybill and help you determine which one is most appropriate for you.

A bill of lading is a document used to record the shipping and transportation process. It can be either a negotiable document (representing ownership) or a non-negotiable document issued on the date the ship departs or the containers are ready.

• Shipping Details: Includes information about the shipper, consignee, and carrier.

• Cargo Details: Provides a precise description of the shipped goods, including quantity, weight, and any other relevant details.

• Terms of Transport: Outlines the agreed terms and conditions of transportation between the shipper and the carrier.

• Evidence of Contract of Carriage.

• Receipt of goods.

• Document of title to the goods.

• A negotiable instrument accepted by banking institutions.

is a non-negotiable document that acts as a receipt and proof of the contract between the shipper and the carrier. It does not require presenting the original Bl to collect the goods, making it suitable for trades that require greater speed and flexibility. Additionally, a Sea Waybill does not control the ownership or right of possession of the goods. The consignee can collect the shipment once it arrives, clear it through customs, and pay the shipping costs to the carrier.

• Receipt of goods

• Evidence of Contract of Carriage.

• Bill of Lading (BL): A negotiable document that represents ownership of the goods and is used by the consignee to receive the goods from the carrier upon arrival. It can be transferred to others and shows who owns the goods. It is used by the consignee to collect the goods from the carrier when they arrive.

• Sea Waybill (WB): A non-negotiable document that serves as proof of the transport contract only. It is used exclusively to document the transportation process. It is suitable for situations such as transporting goods between a company's branches or sister companies, where there is no need to transfer ownership of the goods.

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