Understanding Transport Bilty and Bilty Number in Transportation
Bilty is a word that is quite commonly used in logistics, and in transportation. It is often used as shorthand for describing a transport receipt and or consignment note which is one of the most important documents that both the waybill and the carrier holds. In this article, more details will be discussed on how bilty can be explained in the areas of its definition, its importance, its form, attachments to it and, how it helps in movement of goods and services via tracking app systems.
What is Bilty? | What is bilti​ | Bilti meaning​
Definition of Bilty
This document is mainly being used in India as a Consignment Note or Transport Receipt and might also be referred as Bilti or Bilty. The document is given by the transport agency or carrier after goods have been given to them. It has many functions, it serves as an evidence of goods receipt, it sets out a contract for carriage of goods, as well as includes related information concerning the goods being delivered. Basically, it is a formal document that verifies that a contract exists between the sender of the good (the consignor) and the carrier of the goods (the transporter) about the goods delivery.
What is Bilty in transportation?
In transportation, bilti meaning is not just limited to a bill of exchange. It is an important document that has the following information embedded within it:
- Sender and Receiver Information: The particulars including names and addresses, as well as distribution contact information for the importer and exporter.
- Consignment Details: A list of all of the goods encompassing the amount, weight, size, and any other notable remarks in regard to management.
- Origin and Destination: The areas in which the goods are shipped from and the areas in which the goods are to be delivered.
- Carrier Information: The name of the shipping agency, or the carrier that handles the shipment.
- Terms and Conditions: Outlines the extent of liability, insurance as well as other conditions concerning the contract for transport.
What is Bilty Number? | Define bilty number​ or Bilti no​.
Definition of Bilty Number
Each bill of lading should be accompanied with a distinct bilty number. It is also known as bilti no. Each lost shipment can be traced with this number, and it can also be used as a record by both the sender and receiver of the shipment.
Importance of Bilty Number
The importance of bilty number in logistics extends to the following parameters:
- Tracking Shipments: This number can be used to track the via the route it took right from the start to the current delivery location.
- Proof of Shipment: The information on this document is sufficient to demonstrate that the goods in question were handed over to the transportation company.
- Dispute Resolution: Whenever a Bilty number is provided, in case of any disputes with regard to the shipment’s particulars, this number serves as a reference to terms which were previously settled upon.
What is Transport Bilty?
Definition of Transport Bilty
Transport Bilty is the document detail all the receipts that arise out of the transporting of goods. There is all information on the shippers, receivers as well as the items, their weight, the cost of transportation and other necessary details. Such a document is an important piece of evidence in case goods are lost as it covers all steps of the shipping process.
Components of Transport Bilty
A transport bilty normally includes:
- Name and particulars of the transport operator
- Name of Consignor (the sender)
- Name of Consignee (the receiver)
- Goods description (sized, amount or weight)
- Addresses for pick up and delivery
- Number of vehicle
- GSTIN numbers (Goods and Service Tax Identification Number)
- Booking Date
- Freight Charges
- Signature and stamp of the transporter.
What is Bilty Charges?
Understanding Bilty Charges
Bilty charges refers to the costs involved in movement of goods from one place to another and encompasses transportation costs in the process. The bilty charges are not fixed and will depend on a number of factors:
- Distance: The farther the distance between pickup and delivery locations, the higher the charges.
- Type of Goods: Fragile or hazardous materials may incur additional costs due to the special methods of handling these types of goods.
- Weight and Volume: Bulkier or heavier items typically attract higher fees.
- Service Type: Insurance covered on the goods being transported or Express services given on the delivery are also further adds to the cost of transportation.
Breakdown of Bilty Charges
If you want to effectively calculate bilty charges, then it is essential that you incorporate the following aspects into your calculation:
- The Baseline Freight Charges
- Additional handling charges
- Tax charges (such as GST)
- Insurance Charge, if applicable
- Additional charges on specific services
Transport Bilty Format
Standard Format for Transport Bilty
Regardless of the transporting company, a format for a transport bilty remains standard, however may have minor changes in border areas such as Pakistan, India, Turkey. A normal standard format is depicted below:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Transporter’s Name | Name of the transport agency |
| Transporter’s Address | Physical address including GSTIN number |
| Consignor Name | Sender’s name |
| Consignee Name | Receiver’s name |
| Goods Description | Detailed description including quantity and weight |
| Pickup Address | Location where goods are picked up |
| Delivery Address | Location where goods are delivered |
| Vehicle Number | Registration number of the vehicle used |
| Booking Date | Date when goods were booked |
| Charges | Total transportation charges |
| Signature | Signature of transporter |
The above stated structured format best serves the purpose of effective interactions among all parties involved during the course of the transportation process
What is Truck Bilty?
Definition of Truck Bilty
The term ‘truck bilty’ can be defined as a specially assigned bilty which is awarded for the goods transported through the medium of trucks. The document relates to the shipment in the manner as a standard bilty does, but it makes note of the use of road transport instead.
Importance of Truck Bilty
Truck bilties are important in the sense that they have documentation that reinforces different logistic functions:
- They prove that a consignment has been loaded into a vehicle for dispatch.
- They provide evidence for time or conditions surrounding delivery in case there are discussions.
- They facilitate movement of the shipments between various locations more efficiently and faster more so along the transport routes.
What is Bilty Copy and What are its types?
Bilty copy means the copies of the transport receipt or consignments note which are issued in the course of carrying out the transportation of the particular consignment. Generally, several copies are issued.
Types of Bilty Copies
When a bilty number is issued, it is common for several copies to be prepared concerning the trade that has been carried out:
- Office Copy: This is the main copy that is kept by the transport firm.
- Driver Copy: This copy is held by the driver who is on the road.
- Consigner Copy: This is the copy for the sender intending to send the goods
- Consignee Copy: To the person receiving the item at delivery, this copy will be given.
The different copies issued ensure there is accountability during the entire activity of shipping.
Bilty Number Tracking | How to Track Using Bilty Number?
Technology has helped ease the tracking of shipments using a bilty number in the following ways:
- Online Tracking Systems: A number of transport companies have included online platforms where users log in with their bilty number and see the shipment status.
- Mobile Applications: Some logistics companies have come up with mobile applications for their clients to track their shipments in one easy click on the mobile phone.
- Customer Service Support: Likewise, customers can also ring up customer service agents with their bilty number and ask where in the world their shipment is at that time.
What is Online Bilty?
As digitization has and is continuing to disrupt traditionally structured processes in different industries, several logistics firms have been used online bilty systems which help in improving processes greatly:
- Ease of Use: Online bilties may be prepared without requiring any paperwork in the offices.
- Instant Updates: The online systems tend to provide updated information almost instantly with regard to the status of the shipment.
- Reduced Errors: Reducing human effort by putting most analysis into digital processes can bring down the level of errors which are dominant in manual data processes.
Thus these online systems improve the efficiency of logistics activities and quality of service rendered to their customers.
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Conclusion
In a nutshell, bilty is something every person undertaking a transport logistic transaction has to be acquainted with. It acts not only as a shipping document, but it also serves as an interlink between all involved in the movement of the goods from a place to another. The bilty number is essential in the tracking of the shipment in a dependable way and accepting responsibility for each step of the shipment.
With the dependence of the business on the efficiencies in logistics getting acute, it will be important in logistics optimization and customer satisfaction in the operations of businesses in this fast changing environment to understand concepts like transport bilty.
Understanding these questions—what is bilty? What is bilti number? What is transport bilty?— helps the stakeholders to map out their logistical strategy as well as meet the requirements of the operating environment.
Mastering these concepts will enable companies to properly document their shipments, and minimize the chances of dealing with lost or damaged shipments, or strengthen their supply chain management mechanisms by simply putting up policies such as issuing bilties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a bilty number help in tracking goods during transportation?
A bilty number in the context of the transportation logistics industry and trade is very useful in tracking products. It assists in unique identification of every consignment which can be monitored by the sender and the carrier to see the status of the shipment at any given time.
Due to such development, many transport companies have placed online tracking systems on their websites which enable users to insert the bilty number of their consignment and get information regarding its whereabouts and the time it will take to reach the destination of delivery. Thus, all the goods in transit are easily accounted for and this greatly improves customer satisfaction as they are always kept in the loop regarding the movement of their goods.
What are the different types of bilties used in transportation?
In transportation, there are several types of bilties used depending on the nature of the goods and the mode of transport. Commonly known road bilties are for goods transported by trucks, railway bilties are for items that have been transported by freight trains, and air bilties are issued for air freight transport. Also, special bilties are available for certain bilties, for instance refrigerated transport for perishable items and other hazardous material transport where such regulations apply.
How is a bilty number different from a bill of lading?
Although the functioning of a bilty number and bill of lading is somewhat similar, they are different documents. A bill of lading is considered a legal contract. It is entered between the shipper and the carrier and outlines the details of the goods such as the quantity and location where the goods are being transported. It is used for international trade and is a proof of title. On the other hand, a bilty number is usually used for internal tracking of shipments in the domestic supply chain and contains local updates but is not a legal document for trade.
What are the common issues faced with bilty documents?
One of the most documented problems that come up while using bilty documents is the incorrect or misleading information that comes up while filling their forms such as the bilty’s and item’s description and addresses where it is supposed to be delivered. This not only causes frustration but also regrettable delays and misdelivery.
Other problems contributors come up with include loss or destruction of bilties which are required as evidential documents when delivering shipments and also theft of items ordered. In other situations, disputes regarding liability and damages that arise between the shippers and the carriers may involve mismatches between the terms and conditions set forth in the bilty and the actual situation of the cargo at the time of arrival at the destination port.
Can a bilty number be used for international shipments?
Bilty numbers are mainly meant for use in domestic logistics. But there are certain conditions when these can be used in International shipments as well. However, in order to comply to international trade regulations, it should be noted that more documentation tends to accompany International shipments, like bills of lading or customs declarations. So, while a bilty number can help in tracing the cargo during its international movement when coupled with other relevant documents, it suffices to say that by itself, it is inadequate in managing the logistics of trans-border cargo movement.
What role does a bilty play in claiming insurance for damaged goods?
Bilty serves a crucial role in the processes involved in claiming insurance for damaged goods while being in transit because it acts as evidence that the goods were transferred and it provides specific information on the state of the goods when they were handed over. With regards to damaged goods, the bilty shows many useful factors, for example the goods description, their worth and transportation terms, which are always helpful when dealing with the issue of insurance policies. It is not uncommon for the providers to ask for attachment of the bilty alongside other evidence, which constitutes part of the claims settlement process.
How is a bilty different from a consignment note?
The major variation between a bilty and consignment documentation is the function of such documents and their legal characteristics. While all these documents are used to show evidence of shipment made, a bilty is a document that is more applicable in the local transportation of a more narrow scope of countries like India and is usually less formal than a consignment note.
A consignment note, instead, is a document that is widely accepted to contain instructions on the terms of delivery and can be issued for both domestic and international transport but it is less persuasive with regard to responsibility and authority.
What are the legal requirements for issuing a bilty?
No special requirements apply to the preparation of a bilty, except that the name and address of the sender and receiver, as well as the description of the goods, are to be correctly furnished. A bilty must describe the goods being transacted, their quantity, place of origin and destination, and the cost of delivery. It may also be essential for the transport firms to follow specific local laws related to documentation and filing systems that would make it easy to defend the validity of such bilties in the event of a dispute or a claim.
