Documents
Sea waybill
A non-negotiable sea transport document; the named consignee collects the cargo on identification, without any original.
In four languages
A sea waybill (SWB) works as a receipt and evidence of the transport contract, but it is not a document of title and cannot be transferred by endorsement. The carrier delivers to the consignee named on it once that consignee proves its identity, so no paper needs to travel. This makes it fast and simple, but it also means the seller gives up control of the goods once they ship. It is best suited to trusted relationships, shipments between related companies, or orders the buyer has already paid in full. Example: a Dubai distributor that pays its long-term Shenzhen supplier in advance asks for sea waybills. When the container arrives, the distributor's agent shows authority, pays local charges and receives the delivery order without waiting for any documents from China.
Questions
Can a sea waybill be used with a letter of credit?
It can if the L/C allows it, but banks usually prefer an original on-board B/L because a waybill gives no control over the goods.
Is a sea waybill safe for the seller?
Only if the seller has been paid or trusts the buyer, because the named consignee can collect the cargo without presenting any original.