An Air Waybill, or AWB, is the main transport document used for air freight shipments. It is issued by the air carrier or freight forwarder and acts as a cargo receipt, contract of carriage, tracking reference, and source of shipment instructions. An AWB usually includes shipper, consignee, flight, origin, destination, cargo description, weight, dimensions, charges, and handling details. Unlike some ocean bills of lading, an air waybill is generally non-negotiable and does not function as a document of title.
An Air Waybill (AWB) is the contract of carriage for air freight, serving as a cargo receipt, shipping contract, and customs document. Unlike an ocean bill of lading, it is non-negotiable and cannot be used as a title document.
Master vs. House AWB
- Master AWB (MAWB): issued by the airline to the consolidating forwarder
- House AWB (HAWB): issued by the forwarder to each individual shipper in a consolidation
The AWB number is required for tracking, customs entry, and insurance claims. Cargo is released at destination without presenting the original document.
For related logistics context, see Dedola’s air freight shipping services and glossary entries on Bill of Lading, Air Freight, Freight Forwarding, and Cargo Insurance.
