Seaway vs Original, Telex release, and how it differs from an Air Waybill
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading (B/L) is central to ocean shipping. It acknowledges goods received, evidences the contract of carriage, and when issued as an original can function as a document of title. Many trades now use Seaway Bills for speed, avoiding the need to courier originals.
Types of B/L
- Original (Negotiable): Paper set that may require endorsement and presentation.
- Seaway Bill (Express): Non-negotiable, no originals required; delivery to named consignee.
- Telex Release: Instruction permitting release without physical originals after surrender at origin.
B/L vs AWB (Key Differences)
| Aspect | Bill of Lading (Sea) | Air Waybill (Air) |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Can be negotiable (originals) | Non-negotiable (no title) |
| Release | Originals / Seaway / Telex | Named consignee with ID |
| Mode | Ocean / Intermodal | Air |
| Tracking | Via line booking/B/L number | AWB prefix + number |
How Clintopia Helps
We manage B/L issuance and release for Sea Freight shipments, coordinate port collections via Container Haulage, and guide the right document choice for your trade lane and Incoterms.
For complete door-to-door coordination, see our Freight Forwarding service.
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