Billing
A billing is a carrier terminal activity that determines the proper rate and total charges for a shipment and issues a freight bill. The billing process consists of several steps, namely receiving goods, preparing documents, calculation of charges, compiling information on invoices and bills in the electronic format (EBF), sending an invoice to consignor or his agent; delivering cargo to consignee or his agent. A logistics bill in the context of this article means “original transport document issued at loading/discharge port: Bill of Lading (BL), Waybill (WB); Original transport document leaving country of origin: Air Waybill (AWB), Vessel Receipt; Customs declarations when entering/leaving country. ”
Bills in the electronic format (EBF) are used in the open network between carriers, freight forwarders and importers/exporters allowing to reduce time for generating invoices. The lack of communication with clients allows logistics service providers systems to issue electronic bills. Electronic bills are stored in Universal Trade Repository where data on tariff rates for transportation services is available at any time.
Documents required up to provision of cargo at carrier’s terminal:
- transport contract;
- waybill, commercial invoice (list of goods by HS codes), packing list;
- documents confirming consignee’s rights or mandatory insurance policy;
- certificate of origin if necessary by law or the contract conditions;
- other documents that customs authorities require in order to release goods.
Documents required after provision of cargo at carrier’s terminal:
- transport document, copy of commercial invoice (list of goods by HS codes), packing list;
- customs declarations for import/export;
- consular invoices or other documents in conformity with established customs practices in the country to the provision of which transportation is paid.
Related Links
Freight Bill vs. Bill Of Lading: Knowing the Difference Is Key to Effective Logistics
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Bill of Lading : Types of Bill of Lading & Bill of Lading Samples