Air Waybill
Also known as: AWB, Airway Bill, Air Consignment Note
Definition
An air waybill (AWB) is the primary document for air cargo shipments, serving as a contract between the shipper and airline, a receipt for goods, and instructions for handling and delivery. Unlike ocean bills of lading, air waybills are non-negotiable.
Air Waybill Functions
Contract of Carriage
- Terms and conditions of transport
- Liability limitations
- Carrier obligations
- Shipper declarations
Receipt for Goods
- Proof airline received cargo
- Description of goods
- Quantity and weight
- Condition at acceptance
Customs Document
- Required for international clearance
- Supports import/export declarations
- Value and origin information
- Harmonized codes
Delivery Instructions
- Consignee information
- Handling requirements
- Special instructions
- Notify party details
Types of Air Waybills
Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
- Issued by airline to freight forwarder
- Covers consolidated shipments
- Airline’s direct contract
- Main tracking document for carrier
House Air Waybill (HAWB)
- Issued by freight forwarder to shipper
- Individual shipment within consolidation
- Shipper’s direct contract
- Links to master AWB
Direct AWB
- Airline issues directly to shipper
- No consolidation
- Single shipment, single document
- Used for large or direct shipments
AWB Structure
11-Digit AWB Number
123-12345678
│ │
│ └── Serial number (8 digits)
└────── Airline prefix (3 digits)
Example: 001-12345678 (American Airlines)
Standard AWB Boxes
| Box | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shipper name and address |
| 2 | Consignee name and address |
| 3 | Notify party |
| 4 | Issuing carrier’s agent |
| 5 | Airport of departure |
| 6 | Airport of destination |
| 7-11 | Routing and flight info |
| 12-14 | Accounting information |
| 15 | Value declaration |
| 16-19 | Handling information |
| 20-23 | Rate and charges |
| 24-29 | Other charges, totals |
AWB vs. Bill of Lading
| Feature | Air Waybill | Ocean Bill of Lading |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiable | No | Can be negotiable |
| Title document | No | Yes (negotiable B/L) |
| Copies | 3 originals | 3+ originals |
| Speed of cargo | Hours-days | Weeks |
| Governing rules | Warsaw/Montreal Convention | Hague-Visby Rules |
Completing an Air Waybill
Required Information
Shipper:
- Company name
- Full address
- Contact information
Consignee:
- Company name
- Full address
- Contact for delivery
Shipment Details:
- Number of pieces
- Gross weight
- Dimensions (if volumetric)
- Nature of goods
- Harmonized code
Charges:
- Prepaid or collect
- Declared value
- Other charges
AWB Originals and Copies
Traditional Paper AWB
- Original 1 (Green): Issuing carrier
- Original 2 (Pink): Consignee
- Original 3 (Blue): Shipper
- Additional copies for agents, customs
Electronic AWB (e-AWB)
- Paperless air waybill
- Industry standard goal
- Faster processing
- Environmental benefits
- IATA Resolution 672
Special Handling Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PER | Perishable |
| DGR | Dangerous goods |
| VAL | Valuable cargo |
| VUN | Vulnerable cargo |
| AOG | Aircraft on ground (urgent) |
| HUM | Human remains |
| AVI | Live animals |
| PIL | Pharmaceuticals |
Air Waybill Charges
Weight Charges
- Based on chargeable weight
- Higher of actual or volumetric
- Rate per kg or lb
Volumetric Weight
Formula: (L × W × H cm) ÷ 6000 = kg
Other Charges
- Fuel surcharge
- Security surcharge
- Handling fees
- Customs clearance
- Delivery charges
Tracking with AWB
Track using:
- Airline website (MAWB)
- Freight forwarder system (HAWB)
- Third-party tracking services
- Cargo tracking apps
Status examples:
- Received from shipper
- Departed [airport]
- Arrived [airport]
- Customs cleared
- Delivered
Ready to ship?
Ship internationally with confidence
Try Free