AWB
Air Waybill
An air waybill (AWB) is the transport document for air freight. It is a receipt for the cargo and evidence of the contract with the airline. It is not a document of title.
In plain words
The airline or its agent issues the AWB. It shows the shipper, the consignee, the airports, the number of pieces, the weight and chargeable weight, and the charges. The cargo is delivered to the consignee named on the AWB, so no original is needed to collect it.
Every AWB has an 11-digit number. The first three digits identify the airline. You use this number to track the shipment. When a forwarder consolidates cargo, the airline issues a Master AWB (MAWB) to the forwarder, and the forwarder issues a House AWB (HAWB) to each shipper.
Example from real shipping
A company in Istanbul sends 3 boxes of spare parts by air to a customer in Dubai. The forwarder books the flight and issues the AWB. The company sends the AWB number to the customer, who tracks the shipment online. When it lands, the customer's broker clears customs and collects the boxes with the AWB details.
Related terms
- Chargeable weightChargeable weight is the weight the carrier uses to calculate the price. It is the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
- Sea WaybillA sea waybill is a sea transport document that is not a document of title. The consignee named on it can collect the goods without presenting an original.
- HBL / MBLA Master B/L (MBL) is issued by the shipping line to the freight forwarder. A House B/L (HBL) is issued by the forwarder to the real shipper of the goods.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.