# transport document

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Unlike a delivery note, which merely confirms the handover of goods between buyer and seller, a transport document evidences the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier and serves as legal proof that goods have been accepted for transit.

Unlike a delivery note, which merely confirms the handover of goods between buyer and seller, a transport document evidences the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier and serves as legal proof that goods have been accepted for transit. Mandatory particulars include consignor and consignee, description of goods, weight and quantity, routing, and conditions of carriage. Each mode of transport has its own dedicated form: the bill of lading (B/L) for sea freight, the air waybill (AWB) for air cargo, the CMR consignment note for international road haulage, and the CIM consignment note for rail freight. Customs clearance requires a correctly issued transport document, and in letter-of-credit transactions banks scrutinise its formal accuracy before releasing payment. Electronic versions – such as the eBL or eAWB – are increasingly accepted and carry the same legal weight as their paper counterparts.

**Source:** [https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/guides/transport-documents/](https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/guides/transport-documents/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | transport document |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 139 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/guides/transport-documents/ |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/transport-document](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/transport-document)*

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