The air waybill is a document issued by the carrier or agent that provides detailed tracking information of shipments. This legally binding document is abbreviated as AWB. The air waybill is an important document that records the agreement and commitments made between the parties during the transportation of a shipment.
Thanks to the air waybill, the transportation process of the shipment is kept under control and reliable communication is established between the parties. This document is also used in insurance procedures as well as ensuring the shipment reaches the recipient.
The AWB allows for every step of the transportation process to be recorded and information to be provided to the parties. This enables quick resolution of potential issues and facilitates shipment tracking. The air waybill is an indispensable document for a safe and organized transportation process in international shipping.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The bill of lading is an important document used in maritime transportation. It formalizes the agreement between the carrier company and the cargo owner. The bill of lading is a document that regulates the receipt and transportation process of the cargo and is usually signed by the ship captain or the consignor. With this document, the cargo owner can clearly specify details such as the quantity, type, recipient, and delivery point of the shipped goods.
The bill of lading is a transportation contract valid between the carrier company and the cargo owner and confirms that the carrier has delivered the cargo. Therefore, it plays a very important role in the shipping industry and is also included in the legal regulations of many countries. Since international maritime transportation cannot be carried out without a bill of lading, it must be stored and protected carefully.
What is an Air Waybill (Airway Bill)?
The air waybill, generally known as the bill of lading, is an important document in the air transportation sector. The air waybill means a waybill and transport document and contains all the details of the product during transportation. This document specifies clear provisions and conditions regarding the carrier's authority, responsibilities, and limits. It also includes important information such as the description of the products, applicable charges, and request procedures.
It is a legally valid document in air transportation operations and holds great importance in agreements between transportation companies. Thanks to this document, the rights and responsibilities of carriers and shippers are determined, and it helps both parties resolve potential disputes during transactions.
Features of the Air Waybill
The features of the Air Waybill, which does not give rights over the goods to the carrier, include the responsibility to transport the goods safely from one point to another. An AWB contract is created based on the type, volume, and weight of the goods declared for customs. The bill of lading is prepared according to the type and dimensions of the goods. The receipt or bill of lading indicates the transportation conditions.
An air waybill defines the carrier's rights over the goods but does not transfer ownership. This document specifies the carrier's responsibilities for the safe transportation of the goods.
The type, size, and weight of the goods declared for customs are determined by the AWB agreement and are reflected in the bill of lading. The delivery document or bill of lading details the transportation conditions comprehensively.
Electronic Air Waybill (e-AWB)
The electronic air waybill (e-AWB) was introduced in 2010 and became a standard transportation contract for air cargo shipments as of January 1, 2019. Although air transport documents are still accepted, today e-AWB is generally used and preferred. The electronic version contains the same information as the printed document.
The e-AWB has replaced paper documents in ATA format and has accelerated processes, making them more efficient. As a result, the transportation process can be managed more securely and easily.
The e-AWB is an important system in the digital transformation of air transportation companies and the logistics sector. Thanks to electronic waybills, the risk of documents being lost or damaged during transportation is reduced, providing a reliable shipping service.
Differences Between Bill of Lading and Air Waybill
| Feature | Air Waybill | Bill of Lading |
| Ownership of Goods | Not owned by the carrier | May be owned by the carrier |
| Negotiable? | Not negotiable | Negotiable |
| Type of Transportation | Air transportation | Sea transportation |
| Timing of Document Preparation | After loading is completed | After goods are loaded onto the ship |
| Legal Nature | Not a property document | Can be used as a property document |
| Usage Area | Typically for fast and urgent cargo transportation | Broad scope cargo transportation |
The bill of lading is a frequently encountered important document in trade. It is proof that the shipped goods have been loaded and accepted by the carrier for delivery to the recipient. Usually used in maritime transportation, the bill of lading serves as the key document enabling the recipient to receive the goods. This document includes who is transporting the goods, when, where, how, as well as the cost and transportation conditions. However, in air transportation, a variation of the traditional bill of lading called the air waybill comes into play. The differences between these two documents stem from the fundamental differences in the modes of transportation. There are several important distinctions between the bill of lading used in sea freight and the air waybill used in air freight, regarding the nature of the cargo, transportation duration, cost structures, and legal regulations.
