Waybill

A waybill, or sea waybill, is a non-negotiable transport document that evidences the contract of carriage and receipt of the goods but is not a document of title. The carrier delivers to the named consignee on proof of identity, with no surrender of an original required, which removes the delay and risk that arise when original bills of lading lag a fast voyage. Because it is non-negotiable, the waybill suits trades where the goods are not sold on in transit and no bank financing turns on document control. It still falls within the Hague-Visby Rules where they apply by contract.