Bill of Lading (B/L), Airway Bill (AWB), and other transport documents are essential components in international trade and shipping. These documents serve various purposes and are used for different modes of transportation.

1. Bill of Lading (B/L):

   • Definition: A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier (usually a shipping company or carrier) to the shipper or exporter. It serves as evidence of a contract of carriage and receipt of goods. There are two main types: negotiable and non-negotiable.

   • Key Functions:

     • Receipt of Goods: It acknowledges that the carrier has received the goods for shipment.
     • Title to Goods: A negotiable B/L can be used as a title document, giving the holder the right to claim the goods.
     • Contract of Carriage: It outlines the terms and conditions of the transportation contract, including the destination, consignee, and shipping details.

   • Types:

     • Straight Bill of Lading: Non-negotiable and usually indicates that the goods are consigned to a specific party.
     • Order Bill of Lading: Negotiable and transferable to another party through endorsement.
     • Bearer Bill of Lading: Can be transferred to the holder by physical possession, without endorsement.

2. Airway Bill (AWB):

   • Definition: An Airway Bill is a transport document used in airfreight shipments. It serves as a receipt for the goods and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the air carrier.

   • Key Functions:

     • Receipt of Goods: It acknowledges the receipt of goods for air transportation.
     • Non-Negotiable: Unlike a negotiable B/L, an AWB is non-negotiable, meaning it does not represent title to the goods.

   • Types:

     • Master Airway Bill: Issued by the airline to the shipper, consolidating multiple shipments.
     • House Airway Bill: Issued by a freight forwarder to individual shippers or consignees.

3. Other Transport Documents:

   • CMR Consignment Note: Used for road transportation of goods in Europe. It outlines the terms of the carriage and serves as a receipt.
   • Railway Bill of Lading: Used for rail transportation and includes details of the shipment and terms of carriage.
   • Sea Waybill: Similar to an AWB but for sea shipments. It’s non-negotiable and serves as a receipt and contract of carriage.
   • Multimodal Transport Document (MTD): Covers multiple modes of transport (e.g., sea, air, road) in a single document. It’s used when goods are transported via different carriers and modes.

These transport documents are crucial for international trade as they provide evidence of the shipment, outline the terms and conditions of carriage, and may be required for customs clearance and payment. The choice of document depends on the mode of transportation and the specific requirements of the transaction.