Frequently Asked Questions... and Answers
What is a Waybill?
A waybill is a transport contract (contract of carriage) - the same as a bill of lading. A
waybill, however, is not needed for cargo delivery but only issued as a cargo
receipt. A waybill is not negotiable and cannot be assigned to a third party.
What is the advantage of a Waybill?
The current bill of lading system used by the shipping lines sometimes results in
delays in cargo delivery and other problems when the original bill of lading is lost or
arrives late. Since a waybill is not a negotiable document, it is not necessary to
surrender it at the destination in order to obtain cargo delivery. The waybill
system not only expedites cargo delivery but also simplifies the documentation procedure
between shipper and consignee.
When would I use a Waybill instead of a Bill of Lading?
A waybill is used in lieu of a bill of lading for
straight consignments whenever a letter of credit or similar banking arrangement is not
involved in the sale of goods. The waybill is suitable for regular shipments between
related companies which do not require settlements through banks or third parties. It
should be noted that, at the present time, Waybills cannot be issued to China, even for
straight consignments.
Can I use a Waybill and a Bill of Lading?
No, a bill of lading and a waybill may never be used for the same shipment.
What information is required on a Waybill?
The same information that’s required on a regular Bill of Lading is also
required on a Waybill; namely the cargo’s point of origin, its destination,
consignor, consignee, a description of the shipment and the freight terms.
Can you telex release a Waybill?
It is not necessary to telex release a Waybill. Once "K" Line has flagged your
cargo on its vessel manifest as moving under a waybill, this denotes an automatic or express
release of the cargo upon its arrival.
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