A waybill is a document issued by a transportation carrier recording important information about a freight shipment.
Waybill
What is a waybill in shipping?
- Astray waybill: used for shipments separated from the original shipment document.
- Blanket waybill: used for two or more shipments on a single document.
- Interline waybill: used for a shipment using two or more different carriers.
Waybill vs Bill of Lading
A waybill and a bill of lading both contain specific information about a shipment. Both waybills and bills of lading include details about the shipment itself, the shipper, the receiver, and the conditions for moving the freight cargo.
- A waybill is non-negotiable, and it is used for information purposes. Waybills acknowledge receipt of cargo and serve as evidence of contract of carriage. A waybill cannot be consigned to a third party. A waybill cannot transfer cargo ownership but instead specifies the specific entity that will receive the goods.
- A bill of lading is a legal document that serves as a contract of carriage and as a title to the goods being shipped. Bills of lading can be consigned to or endorsed by a third party during the transportation of the shipment.
How do I Track a Waybill?
Waybill tracking numbers can be used in association email and SMS notifications to the receiver and shipper. Logistics service providers often provide online portals for waybill tracking.
What is an Air Waybill?
An air waybill accompanies a freight shipment moved by an air courier. An air waybill (AWB), also known as an air consignment note, serves as a receipt of goods provided by an airline freight carrier. The International Air Transport Association designs and distributes air waybills.
What is a Sea Waybill?
Find out how MercuryGate helps you better manage transportation documents.
What are the Contents of a Waybill?
- Shipper/consignor name, address, and contact information.
- Receiver/importer name, address, and contact information.
- Origin, destination, and delivery location details.
- Identifying information for the transporting vehicle.
How does MercuryGate support Waybills in Transportation Management?
A unified multimodal platform offers the ability to manage and store all transportation documents electronically. On-demand file access facilitates rapid response for international shippers seeking required documents for customs clearance. Further, electronic documentation accessible alongside PRO numbers and SCAC information in the MercuryGate TMS supports rapid shipment execution, validation of requested services, and accurate payment of invoices.
