Sea Waybill · SWB
A non-negotiable ocean transport document. The cargo is released to the named consignee without presenting any original — the fastest way to clear cargo at destination.
- Issued by
- The shipping line or the forwarder, instead of a bill of lading.
- When it's needed
- Ocean shipments where payment does not depend on the documents — intercompany shipments, prepaid sales, trusted buyers.
- Transport
- Sea
What it contains
- Shipper and consignee (who alone can take delivery)
- Vessel, voyage, port of loading and port of discharge
- Container and seal numbers
- Description of goods, packages and weights
Practical tips
- The consignee cannot be changed by transferring the document — choose the right consignee before issue.
- Not suitable when a bank needs a document of title, e.g. under most letters of credit.
Not sure which documents you need?
Send us the route and the goods — we'll list the documents and prepare the transport ones for you.
Contact usOther shipping documents
Bill of LadingAir WaybillCMR Consignment NoteRail Consignment Note (CIM, SMGS, CIM/SMGS)Shipping InstructionsCommercial InvoicePacking ListCertificate of OriginExport DeclarationTransit Declaration (T1)Dangerous Goods DeclarationPhytosanitary CertificateShipping documents
General guidance only — requirements depend on the goods, the countries involved and the contract. We check the documents needed for every booking.
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