Bill of lading vs air waybill vs CMR

Transport documents prove that goods have been handed to a carrier and are on their way to the buyer. The correct document depends on the mode of transport.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Used for sea freight. It serves three purposes: receipt of goods by the carrier, evidence of the transport contract, and a document of title (the holder can claim the goods). B/Ls can be negotiable, meaning they can be endorsed and transferred, which is important for letter-of-credit transactions.

Air Waybill (AWB)

Used for air freight. Unlike a B/L, an AWB is not a document of title — the consignee named on it receives the goods. It is non-negotiable. Air waybills are typically issued electronically (e-AWB) for speed.

CMR Consignment Note

Used for road freight in countries that are party to the CMR Convention (most of Europe and parts of Asia). It confirms the carrier received the goods and the agreed delivery terms. Like an AWB, it is not a document of title.

Which One Do You Need?

Faktorist auto-suggests the correct transport document type based on the Incoterm and shipping mode selected in the deal. If your buyer's letter of credit requires a specific type (e.g., "full set of original B/Ls"), make sure your freight forwarder issues it accordingly.