AWBs

An air waybill (AWB) is a standardized document used in air cargo to accompany goods on international shipments. It functions as the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier and as a receipt for the goods. The AWB is generally non-negotiable and does not transfer ownership of the cargo; title to the goods is typically governed by separate shipping arrangements.

There are two main types of AWBs. The Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline or its designated agent for an entire flight or consolidation. The House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by a freight forwarder to the shipper for individual shipments within a MAWB. Each type has a unique number, usually composed of an airline prefix and a serial number.

AWBs contain essential data fields. These include shipper and consignee names and addresses, notify party, origin and destination airports, routing, weight and number of pieces, chargeable weight, freight charges, and the description of goods. They may also include hazardous materials classification, any special handling instructions, and security-related information. The document serves as a reference for customs, freight charges, and cargo release at destination, and it supports tracking and settlement processes.

Electronic Air Waybills (eAWB) are the digital form of the AWB, increasingly adopted to reduce paper, speed up processing, and improve accuracy. While the AWB is a key shipment document in air cargo, it is not a negotiable instrument like a bill of lading; it does not by itself transfer ownership but provides the contract of carriage and a receipt for the goods.