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What’s the Difference Between Bill of Lading vs Airway Bill?
When shipping internationally, two important documents you’ll often hear about are the Bill of Lading (B/L) and the Airway Bill (AWB). Both are crucial in global trade, but they serve different purposes depending on whether your goods travel by sea or by air.
Let’s break down the key differences so you know which applies to your shipment.
📦 What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?
A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a shipping line or freight forwarder for sea freight.
It serves as:
A contract of carriage between shipper and carrier
A receipt for the cargo being shipped
A document of title, which can be transferred to claim ownership of the goods
🔑 Key point: Without the original Bill of Lading, the consignee cannot claim the cargo at the destination port.
✈️ What is an Airway Bill (AWB)?
An Airway Bill is issued by an airline or its agent for air freight shipments.
It acts as:
A receipt of goods accepted for transport by air
A contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline
⚠️ Unlike the Bill of Lading, an Airway Bill is non-negotiable and not a document of title. This means the consignee listed on the AWB is the only person who can receive the goods.
Conclusion
Both the Bill of Lading and Airway Bill are essential documents in international logistics. Knowing their differences helps exporters and importers in Bali make smarter decisions when choosing between air freight and sea freight.
At Bali Sourcing Cargo, we assist you with all shipping documents to ensure your goods move smoothly and safely worldwide.