Shipping overseas can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the process. Many different documents need to be completed, and it’s important to make sure everything is in order before your shipment leaves the port. One of these documents is the waybill.
What is a waybill? A waybill is a document that provides detailed information about a shipment, including the destinations, origins, route, and mode of transportation. It also includes the names and addresses of the sender and recipient, as well as other essential details such as the weight and value of the shipment. Customs officials use the waybill to track shipments and ensure they are correctly cleared for import and export.
How do I fill out a waybill?
When you’re ready to ship your goods, you’ll need to provide the following information on the waybill:
– The names and addresses of the sender and recipient
– A description of the goods being shipped
– The date and time of shipment
– The shipping method (e.g., air, ground, sea)
– The tracking number (if applicable)
– The value of the shipment
If you’re using a shipping service like DHL or FedEx, you can usually find a waybill template on their website. Otherwise, you can use a generic waybill template or create your own.
Once you’ve filled out the waybill, attach it to your shipment so that the recipient can track the shipment and know what to expect.
What are the two types of air waybill?
There are two types of air waybill:
-Neutral AWBs
-Airline Specific AWBs
Each has its advantages, so it’s essential to know the difference between the two when shipping via air.
Neutral AWBs are created by freight forwarders and can be used with any airline. This waybill does not have a carrier endorsement, meaning you are not committed to using a specific airline. Using a neutral AWB is more flexible when choosing an airline.
Airline Specific AWBs are created by the airline and can only be used with that specific carrier. This waybill has a carrier endorsement, which means you are committed to using that airline for your shipment. They have the logo of the airline on them. One advantage of using an Airline Specific AWB is that they usually have a lower rate than Neutral AWBs.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a global trade association of the world’s airlines. All AWBs must comply with IATA standards to be valid.
Functions of AWB
-Proves that the airline has accepted the goods for carriage.
-Gives details of the sender, consignee, third parties, agent, and also the number of AWBs used.
-Specifies the required service types, such as CIF, DDU, and DDP.
-States the packages’ number, description, dimensions, and weight.
-Gives the value of goods for customs purposes.
-Identifies the routing to be used.
When shipping via air, choosing the right type of AWB for your needs is important. If you’re unsure which one to use, you can always ask your freight forwarder for help. They will be able to guide you through the process and make sure that your shipment is properly documented.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
