Air waybill vs. bill of lading

In the world of shipping and logistics, understanding the differences between air waybills (AWBs) and bills of lading (BOLs) is crucial for businesses operating in the supply chain, ecommerce, or any other industry requiring transportation of goods. These documents, while serving similar purposes, have key distinctions that can impact the way shipments are handled, tracked, and delivered. This guide will break down the essentials of AWBs and BOLs, covering everything from their definitions and contents to their differences and electronic forms.

Air waybills and bills of lading 

Before defining these documents separately, it is important to note that while these documents are not interchangeable, they are both important transport documents. Any shipment by air or sea will need one or the other because they both serve similar purposes with slight—but important—differences.

Note: Air waybills are actually a type of bill of lading; however, both are discussed as the two main types of transport documents. There are more BOL types, but since the order bill of lading is the most common, we will refer primarily to that BOL type in this guide.

Air waybills (AWB)

An AWB is a transport document issued by the carrier that accompanies air and ground shipments. It contains details about the shipment and provides tracking information. It also acts as a consignment note and shipment receipt.

An AWB can be paper or electronic. Most small package and integrated carriers accept electronic AWBs.

Bills of lading (BOL)

A BOL is a shipping document provided by the carrier that accompanies sea, train, and truck shipments. It contains detailed information about the contents of the shipment and also serves as a contract, receipt, and title document.

A BOL can be paper or electronic. Most small package and integrated carriers accept electronic BOLs.

Note: "Title” refers to ownership, meaning that possessing a title document can prove ownership of the shipment.

AWBs vs. BOLs 

AWBs and BOLs are similiar but also have key differences. These are both outlined below.

Similarities - information AWBs and BOLs contain

The following is a list of information included on both types of documents:

• Shipper name
• Shipper address and contact information
• Carrier name
• Carrier address and contact or driver’s information (identification number, phone number, etc.)
• Consignee name (the person the package is being delivered to)
• Consignee address and contact information
• Port or airport of loading
• Port or airport of unloading
• Carrier vehicle’s name and identification number (ship, airplane, truck, train, etc.)
• Description of freight
• Condition of freight
• Identification marks on cargo
• Number of pieces, packages, or pallets
• Length, width, height, and weight of the shipment
• Payment information
• Terms of the contract

Key differences

Other than the fact that their modes of transport (air and sea) differ, AWBs and BOLs have a few more addiontal key differences.

The table below outlines the important differences between the two documents, followed by an explanation of what each difference means. There is an explanation of each field below the table.

Differences

The functions of AWBs and BOLs