Shipping Documents
Air Waybill (AWB) — what it is & how it works
The transport document for air cargo — a non-negotiable receipt and contract of carriage. Here's what an air waybill contains and how it differs from a bill of lading.
An air waybill (AWB) is the transport document for air cargo. It is a non-negotiable receipt issued by the airline or its agent that serves as the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier — but unlike a bill of lading, it is not a document of title.
Overview
What is a air waybill?
The air waybill accompanies goods shipped by air and travels with the consignment. Each AWB carries a unique 11-digit number used to track the shipment. Because it is non-negotiable, the named consignee can claim the cargo on arrival without presenting an original document — which makes air shipments faster to release than ocean cargo on an original B/L.
Contents
What a air waybill contains
Shipper and consignee details
Issuing carrier / agent and AWB number
Airport of departure and destination
Description of goods, number of pieces and weight
Declared value for carriage and customs
Freight and other charges
Handling information and special instructions
How to prepare
Preparing a air waybill, step by step
Confirm parties and routing
Verify shipper, consignee, and the departure/destination airports with the carrier or agent.
Describe the cargo
Record the number of pieces, weight, and a clear goods description matching the invoice.
Declare value and charges
State the declared value for carriage and customs and confirm the freight charges.
Add handling instructions
Include any special handling needs (perishable, fragile, dangerous goods).
Issue and track
The carrier issues the AWB with its unique number, which is used to track the shipment to delivery.
FAQ
Air Waybill — common questions
What is an air waybill?
An air waybill (AWB) is the transport document for air cargo. It is a non-negotiable receipt and contract of carriage issued by the airline or its agent, and it carries a unique number used to track the shipment.
How is an air waybill different from a bill of lading?
An air waybill is for air cargo and is non-negotiable — it is not a document of title. A bill of lading is for ocean cargo and can be a negotiable document of title used to transfer ownership in transit.
Can cargo be released without the original air waybill?
Yes. Because the AWB is non-negotiable, the named consignee can collect the cargo on arrival without presenting an original — making air releases faster than original-B/L ocean releases.
Does CargoFide handle the air waybill?
Yes — air waybill issuance and documentation are part of CargoFide's air freight booking, with the AWB validated against your commercial invoice and packing list.
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