In practice: a sea waybill suits shipments between related companies, or sales on open account where payment is not tied to the shipping document. Release is fast because nothing has to travel by courier. It is not suitable when the seller wants to keep control of the goods until payment, or when a bank needs a document of title under a letter of credit; in those cases use an original B/L.

Example: a Dubai trader moves its own stock from JAFZA to its branch in Dar es Salaam on a sea waybill. The branch collects the delivery order with its company documents as soon as the vessel arrives.