Shipping
What is an Air Waybill?
Air Waybill (AWB) is the air cargo transport document — non-negotiable, vs ocean B/L.
AWB is contract of carriage and receipt for air freight — not a document of title like negotiable B/L.
Definition
An Air Waybill (AWB) is issued by airline or freight forwarder for air shipments. It evidences receipt of cargo and carriage contract — standard form per IATA.
AWB vs Ocean B/L
AWB is generally non-negotiable — cargo releases to named consignee without original paper. Ocean B/L often negotiable with originals control release.
Key Fields
Shipper, consignee, airport of departure/destination, flight, pieces, gross weight, chargeable weight, declared value for carriage, handling info.
AWB under L/C
L/C must allow air transport and AWB as transport document — full set of originals if required. Dates must meet latest shipment date.
Examples
Express
Courier AWB (HAWB) for samples — different from master AWB on consolidated cargo.
Weight
Chargeable weight 120 kg vs actual 95 kg — freight cost on AWB drives landed cost.
FAQ
- House AWB vs Master?
- Forwarder HAWB to shipper; airline MAWB — both track same shipment.
- Telex release for air?
- Not applicable — AWB non-negotiable release to consignee.
- AWB as customs doc?
- Supporting doc with invoice — not duty invoice itself.
- Dangerous goods on AWB?
- DGD required — AWB shows SHC codes.
- FCA air port?
- FCA airport — seller delivers to carrier; AWB shows on-board/airport receipt timing.
Conclusion
Pair AWB with invoice for air export. Compare Day 1 Bill of Lading for sea.