The Sea Waybill (SWB)
Created in the early 1980s to correct the disadvantages of the bill of lading, the Sea Waybill (SWB) is a non-negotiable transport document issued by the maritime carrier.
The SWB is a document evidencing the contract of carriage and the characteristics of the goods loaded but does not represent the goods. As it does not represent the goods, it is merely a receipt for the goods.
However, like any commercial document, it has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of the Sea Waybill :
The SWB has the advantage of avoiding the loss of the bill of lading and its late arrival.
Disadvantages of the Sea Waybill :
However, it has some disadvantages, which are:
- Not comparable to a negotiable instrument ;
- Limited interest: the interest of the SWB is limited insofar as the consignee can obtain delivery of the goods without producing it ;
- etc.
The SWB must contain the following information :
- The names and addresses of the shipper and the carrier ;
- The characteristics of the goods (quantity, weight, volume, etc.) ;
- The port of loading and unloading ;
- etc.
Author: Pascaline ODOUBOUROU
