In the field of logistics, Bill of Lading and Sea Waybill are two common transportation documents. They have some obvious differences in functionality and usage. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction to the differences between these two types of bills of lading.Ocean bill of ladingBill of Lading:A named bill of lading is a proof of transportation contract and receipt of goods.A named bill of lading is not only a transportation contract and receipt for the goods, but also a proof of ownership document.A named bill of lading can be issued by freight forwarders, ship agents, shipping companies, ship operators, or even captains.A named bill of lading has the following main characteristics:As a receipt for the loading and status of the goods.Prove the existence of the transportation contract.The ownership of the goods belongs to the person holding the document, and only the person holding the document can retrieve the goods at the destination port.L is transferable and can be collected as a letter of credit in a bank.Sea Waybill:The bill of lading, also known as the “express release bill of lading” or “direct bill of lading,” is used when the shipper decides to immediately relinquish ownership of the goods.The bill of lading is only a reference document for loading the goods and does not have the function of ownership of the goods (non transferable).The shipper only needs to receive an instruction bill of lading as a reference when loading the goods, and does not need to submit additional documents to the carrier. Therefore, once the goods are available at the port, they will be released.Some characteristics of the bill of lading include:When the shipper is willing to immediately relinquish ownership of the goods, the goods can be delivered directly to a designated entity without the need for that entity to present any documents to claim the goods.The shipper or consignor only needs to receive an instruction bill of lading as a reference document for loading the goods, without the need to submit additional documents to the carrier or importer. Therefore, once the goods are available at the port, they will be released.When the shipper and consignee trust each other, it is more convenient to use an instruction bill of lading.When offshore sales are not required.When payment is not made through a letter of credit.A named bill of lading and an instruction bill of lading have different purposes and functions in the transportation of goods. A named bill of lading serves as a transportation contract, receipt, and proof of ownership for goods, and is suitable for situations where ownership of the goods needs to be ensured and handover of the goods takes place. The bill of lading, as a reference document for loading goods, is applicable when the shipper is willing to immediately relinquish ownership of the goods and there is a trust relationship between the shipper and the consignee.