What Is An Air Waybill?

Imagine your small business in Austin, Texas, just received an order for artisan crafts from a customer in Singapore. To get it there safely via air freight, you’ll need one crucial document: the Air Waybill (AWB). But what is an air waybill?

In simple terms, it’s the master document for any air shipment. Crucially, it is non-negotiable, which means it’s a contract for delivery to a specific person, not a document of ownership that can be bought or sold. This article explains everything you need to know about this essential document.

Core Functions

An AWB wears many hats. Think of it as a combination of a courier’s tracking slip, a contract, and a passport for your goods, all rolled into one. It might seem like just a piece of paper (or a digital file), but it has several critical jobs that ensure your package gets from A to B smoothly.

• It’s a Receipt: When the airline accepts your goods, the AWB is your proof that they have taken possession of your shipment in good condition.
• It’s a Contract: It legally outlines the terms you and the airline have agreed to for the journey.
• It’s a Tracking Number: Every AWB has a unique 11-digit number that lets you, the airline, and the receiver watch the shipment’s progress online.
• It’s a Passport for Customs Clearance: It contains all the information customs officials need to clear your package for entry into the destination country. Without it, your shipment isn’t going anywhere.
• It serves other functions: It can also be used as a freight bill for accounting or as a certificate of insurance if you opt for cargo insurance.
  • Further Reading: Cargo Insurance 101: Do You Need It for International Shipping

What Is In An Air Waybill

To do its job, an AWB needs specific details about the shipment. This includes the basics, like the shipper’s (your) and the consignee’s (your customer’s) name and address. It also clearly lists the route using three-letter airport codes. For example, a shipment from Los Angeles would be coded ‘LAX’ (Los Angeles International AIrport). Its destination (in Thailand, for example) would be ‘BKK’ (Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok).

The AWB also has a description of the goods, including what they are, how much they weigh, and how many boxes are in the shipment. And, of course, it features that all-important 11-digit AWB tracking number. This number is special: the first three digits identify the airline. For example, 016 is United Airlines Cargo. This is followed by a seven-digit serial number and a final check digit.

Different Kinds Of Air Waybills

AWBs are standardized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It comes in two main types: airline-specific and neutral. Airline-specific AWBs are pre-populated with the carrier’s information, while neutral AWBs are not.

When working with a logistics partner, you might also hear about a House AWB (HAWB) and/or a Master AWB (MAWB). What difference do these make?

Let’s explain this with an example. A freight forwarder (e.g. Express Freight Management) is managing shipments for several American companies. One is shipping to Indonesia, and another is shipping to Malaysia. The forwarder bundles these into one large consignment. The airline gives the forwarder one group ticket (the Master AWB). The forwarder then gives each company its own individual ticket (the House AWB) for their specific part of the shipment. As the original shipper, your HAWB is the main document you’ll use for tracking.

Going Digital

Traditionally, AWBs are issued in a set of eight paper copies of different colors. Each was intended for a specific party—the shipper’s copy was blue, the consignee’s was pink, and the carrier’s was green. It worked, but was slow and created piles of paperwork.

With advancements in technology, the electronic Air Waybill (e-AWB) has become the standard. In use since 2010, the e-AWB is the exact same document in an electronic format. This is much faster, reduces errors, and is better for the environment. Since 2019, the e-AWB has become the global standard, making the process of shipping goods to and from the USA as seamless as sending an email.

Further Reading: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Air Freight Efficiency

Conclusion

The Air Waybill is the central document that makes air freight possible. It acts as your shipment’s official ID, contract, and tracking number. This ensures your goods are handled correctly, cleared by customs, and delivered to the right person. Understanding the AWB is a key step to a successful international shipment. It is especially so along the busy and growing trade routes connecting the USA and ASEAN nations.

Express Freight Management is your trusted partner for seamless global shipping solutions. We offer a comprehensive suite of logistics services, from shipping to customs clearance to warehousing and more. As a leading international freight forwarder based in the United States, we have successfully managed trades between the United States and Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for nearly two decades. Discover a streamlined approach to logistics with Express Freight Management for your shipping needs between USA and Southeast Asia today!