Sea waybill: Meaning and definition

A sea waybill, often known as a sea bill of lading or an ocean waybill, is a transport document used in international shipping that acknowledges the receipt of goods by the carrier. Unlike a traditional bill of lading, a sea waybill is a non-negotiable document, which means that it does not represent the title or ownership to the goods. It serves as evidence of the contract between the shipper and the carrier and contains details such as names of the shipper and consignee, description of goods, shipping route, and terms and conditions of the transportation. The sea waybill simplifies the shipping process by eliminating the need for physical document transfers and enables faster cargo clearance and delivery.