Shipping Documents
Sea Waybill (SWB) – Purpose & Key Fields
A non-negotiable transport document for ocean freight where ownership transfer is not required.
- Document
- Sea Waybill
- Abbreviation
- SWB
- Transport modes
- Sea
- Issued by
- Ocean carriers, Shipping lines, Freight forwarders
The Sea Waybill (SWB) is a non-negotiable transport document used in ocean shipping. Unlike the Bill of Lading, it is not a document of title and cannot be used to transfer ownership of goods. This makes it faster and simpler to use, especially for shipments between trusted parties or within the same company. The consignee can collect goods by proving their identity, without needing to present the original document.
Purpose of the Sea Waybill
- Receipt for goods shipped by sea
- Evidence of contract of carriage
- Faster release of goods at destination
- Suitable for related party shipments
Who issues the Sea Waybill
- Ocean carriers
- Shipping lines
- Freight forwarders
When the Sea Waybill is required
- Non-LC sea freight shipments
- Intra-company transfers
- Trusted party shipments
Key fields on the Sea Waybill
- Shipper (required): Party sending the goods
- Consignee (required): Named party receiving the goods
- Vessel Name (required): Carrying vessel
- Port of Loading/Discharge (required): Origin and destination ports
- Description of Goods (required): Cargo details
Tips for the Sea Waybill
- Cannot be used for Letter of Credit transactions
- Faster than B/L as no original documents need to be couriered
- Consignee must be specifically named (cannot be "To Order")
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Sea Waybill?
A non-negotiable transport document for ocean freight where ownership transfer is not required.
What is the purpose of the Sea Waybill?
Receipt for goods shipped by sea. Evidence of contract of carriage. Faster release of goods at destination. Suitable for related party shipments
Who issues the Sea Waybill?
The Sea Waybill is issued by: Ocean carriers, Shipping lines, Freight forwarders.