Shipping Documents
Air Waybill (AWB) – Purpose & Key Fields
The primary transport document for air freight serving as receipt and contract of carriage.
- Document
- Air Waybill
- Abbreviation
- AWB
- Transport modes
- Air
- Issued by
- Airlines, Air cargo carriers, Freight forwarders, IATA agents
The Air Waybill (AWB) is the fundamental document for air cargo shipments. Unlike ocean Bills of Lading, the AWB is non-negotiable and is not a document of title. There are two types: Master AWB (MAWB) issued by airlines and House AWB (HAWB) issued by freight forwarders for consolidated shipments. The AWB number format consists of an airline prefix (3 digits) followed by a serial number (8 digits).
Purpose of the Air Waybill
- Receipt confirming goods received by airline
- Contract of carriage between shipper and carrier
- Customs clearance documentation
- Proof of shipment for insurance
- Tracking reference for air cargo
Who issues the Air Waybill
- Airlines
- Air cargo carriers
- Freight forwarders
- IATA agents
When the Air Waybill is required
- Air freight shipments
- Customs clearance
- Insurance claims
- Proof of delivery
Key fields on the Air Waybill
- AWB Number (required): Unique 11-digit tracking number
- Shipper (required): Party sending the goods
- Consignee (required): Party receiving the goods
- Airport of Departure (required): Origin airport code
- Airport of Destination (required): Destination airport code
- Flight Number (required): Carrying flight
- Nature of Goods (required): Description of cargo
- Gross Weight (required): Actual weight
- Chargeable Weight (required): Weight used for billing (actual or volumetric)
- Declared Value: Value for carriage
Tips for the Air Waybill
- Always verify chargeable weight calculation (actual vs volumetric)
- Check airline prefix matches the issuing carrier
- HAWB is used by forwarders for consolidated shipments
- Keep copies for tracking and claims purposes
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Air Waybill?
The primary transport document for air freight serving as receipt and contract of carriage.
What is the purpose of the Air Waybill?
Receipt confirming goods received by airline. Contract of carriage between shipper and carrier. Customs clearance documentation. Proof of shipment for insurance. Tracking reference for air cargo
Who issues the Air Waybill?
The Air Waybill is issued by: Airlines, Air cargo carriers, Freight forwarders, IATA agents.