T1 – AWB – BL DIFFERENCES
Chiasso’s Forwarding Agents
I realize that coming from the world of forwarding agents based in Chiasso, I have an incredible baggage of knowledge of a world that is disappearing. Associazione spedizionieri di Chiasso, now Spedlogswiss Ticino was for sure one of the oldest associations of the profession.
When I approached the profession, remarkably high and specific skills were found in the company.
I remember with pleasure the lessons given to me by ours Mr. Valcamonica, who for years also worked as a tutor at the professional school. He introduced me to the regulations that governed our work, the specific vocabulary, and the best practices. On the customs side, I benefited from an exceptional teacher in the person of Mr. Ostinelli, the best encyclopaedia in the customs field. Naturally, my father also contributed to enriching my expertise. These three people have been teachers of work and life for me. In my small way I try to convey what I have received.
Nowadays
I hear sometimes with amusement that specific knowledge is often underestimated, even if there is a respectable number of young people who fill me with satisfaction and pride in Hub & Logistics.
So, I thought it could be useful to explain the following three different documents, since the meaning and the use of them are hugely different. T1 (Transit Document), AWB (Air Waybill), and Bill of Lading (B/L) are documents used in the transportation of goods, but they differ in terms of transport type and usage.
T1 is a document used in the road transportation of goods between two countries or through multiple countries. It is a customs document that certifies the transit of goods under customs supervision from one point to another. The T1 shipping note is an official customs document that facilitates the movement of goods across borders. It is specifically used for transporting non-EU goods within the EU territory.
When initiating the T1 transit procedure, customs authorities at the departure point open the procedure. Essential details such as the names of the consignor and consignee, the number of packages, total weight, and seal numbers are recorded on the T1 document. This information enables seamless tracking of the goods from the sender to the recipient throughout the transit process. Additionally, the T1 note ensures the appropriate clearance of goods at each stage.
AWB is a document used in the air transportation of goods. It is a transportation document issued by an airline or a forwarding agent and contains information about the goods, origin, destination, weight, number of packages, and other relevant details. The AWB also serves as a transportation contract between the shipper and the airline. It contains detailed information about the shipment and enables tracking throughout its journey. Multiple copies of the AWB are created to ensure that each party involved in the shipment can keep a record.
The AWB, also known as an air consignment note, is like a bill of lading used in ocean shipments. However, there is a difference in the level of protection. While ocean bills of lading are negotiable, providing greater protection, AWBs are issued in a non-negotiable form, offering less protection.
IMPORTANT An air waybill is a standardized document provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
B/L or Bol is a legal document used in the maritime transportation of goods. It is issued by the shipping carrier or its agent and is a title document that acknowledges the receipt of goods on board the ship. The B/L contains detailed information about the goods, origin, destination, transportation conditions, and delivery terms. Additionally, the bill of lading serves as a receipt upon delivery of the goods at the specified destination. Regardless of the mode of transportation employed, it is mandatory for this document to accompany the shipped products. It must be signed by authorized representatives from the carrier, shipper, and receiver, affirming their agreement and acknowledging the receipt of the goods. The bill of lading plays a vital role in facilitating smooth and accountable shipping processes. This document is essential and must accompany the shipped products regardless of the mode of transportation used. It requires the signatures of authorized representatives from the carrier, shipper, and receiver to acknowledge the agreement and receipt of the goods.
Conclusions
To summarize, the T1 document is specifically designed for customs procedures in land transportation, the AWB document is tailored for air transportation, and the B/L document functions as a title document in maritime transportation. Each document serves a specific purpose and is applicable to its respective mode of transportation. These documents find utility across various industries. Moreover, the Air Waybill (AWB) and Bill of Lading (BL) also function as customs documents in both maritime and aviation transportation. Typically, the T1 document concludes its role at the port or airport and is subsequently substituted by either the AWB or the BL.
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