What Is an Air Waybill (AWB)? Air Cargo Document Guide
An Air Waybill (AWB) is the standard transport document for international air cargo, governed by IATA rules and the 1999 Montreal Convention. Unlike a sea Bill of Lading, an AWB is non-negotiable and cannot transfer cargo ownership.
What Is an AWB?
An Air Waybill (AWB) is the standard transport document for international air cargo, governed by IATA standards and the 1999 Montreal Convention. It serves as the contract of carriage between shipper and airline and as a receipt for goods. Unlike a Bill of Lading, an AWB is non-negotiable and cannot be used to transfer cargo ownership.
AWB Types
| Type | Issued By | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Master AWB (MAWB) | Airline | Between airline and consolidator |
| House AWB (HAWB) | Freight forwarder | Between forwarder and shipper |
For consolidated shipments, the forwarder issues HAWBs to each shipper and groups them under one MAWB with the airline.
AWB Contents
- Shipper and consignee details
- Origin and destination airports
- Goods description, package count, weight
- Dimensions and volumetric weight
- Freight charges and payment method
- Special handling instructions
Air Carrier Liability
Under the Montreal Convention, airline liability for damage/loss is capped at 22 SDR per kg (approximately 27 EUR/kg). Higher than CMR road liability but still limited. Separate cargo insurance recommended for valuable shipments.
e-AWB
IATA's e-freight initiative replaces paper AWBs with electronic versions. Over 70% of global air cargo now uses e-AWB, reducing processing time and errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
AWB vs B/L?
AWB: air, non-negotiable. B/L: sea, negotiable document of title.
MAWB vs HAWB?
MAWB: airline to consolidator. HAWB: forwarder to individual shipper.
How is air freight priced?
Per kg: actual weight or volumetric weight (L x W x H cm / 6,000), whichever is greater.
Can I track via AWB number?
Yes, the 11-digit AWB number enables airline website tracking. First 3 digits identify the airline (e.g., 235 = Turkish Airlines Cargo).
References
- IATA Air Waybill Standards
- 1999 Montreal Convention
- IATA e-freight Program
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