Delivery without surrendering paper
With a waybill, the carrier delivers to the consignee named on the document once that party identifies itself and pays any charges due. No originals have to travel, so a fast transit is never held up by a courier. Control stays with the shipper for a while: under many carriers' waybill terms, the shipper can change the named consignee until delivery unless it has given up that right in writing.
Trades where a waybill falls short
A waybill suits shipments between related companies, regular buyers on open account and sellers who have already been paid. It is a poor fit when payment depends on the documents, as with many letters of credit and documentary collections, because a waybill gives the seller or bank no document to hold back until payment arrives. Cargo that may be sold again while at sea also needs a negotiable bill.
Express release and the waybill number
Teams often call waybill shipments "express release," and the document may carry wording to that effect. Carriers usually number waybills in the same series as their bills of lading, so the same lookups work for tracking. At destination an arrival notice still goes out, and release then depends on charges and customs clearance, not on paper, so a waybill shipment rarely waits for documents.
Example
A manufacturer ships parts to its own subsidiary on a sea waybill, so the subsidiary's broker can arrange pickup once the carrier releases ONEU9051279, without waiting for couriered originals.
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Questions
What does Sea Waybill mean?
A sea waybill is a non-negotiable transport document that a carrier issues as a receipt for cargo and evidence of the contract of carriage. It is not a document of title, so the named consignee can take delivery without presenting an original.
Is a sea waybill the same as a telex release?
No. A telex release follows originals that were issued and then surrendered at origin, while a waybill never had originals. Both let the consignee collect without presenting paper at destination.
Can a sea waybill be used with a letter of credit?
It can if the credit allows one, but because the bank gets no control over the goods, many credits call for a negotiable bill of lading instead.
Who can collect cargo shipped on a sea waybill?
The consignee named on it, after proving its identity and settling the charges the carrier requires. Customs and terminal requirements still apply.