Seaway bills are important for a number of reasons. They provide evidence that the shipper has entered into a contract with the shipping company, and they also help to protect the shipper's goods in the event of damage or loss. In addition, seaway bills can be used to track the location of goods during transit.
There are two main types of seaway bills:
* Straight seaway bills are issued when the shipper pays the shipping costs in advance.
* Order seaway bills are issued when the shipper does not pay the shipping costs in advance. Instead, the shipper orders the shipping company to release the goods to a specific party, who is then responsible for paying the shipping costs.
Seaway bills are essential for international trade, as they provide a way for shippers and shipping companies to communicate and agree on the terms of a shipment.