# Air Waybill

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> The Air Waybill (AWB) combines three functions in a single document: it serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, a receipt for goods accepted by the carrier, and a basis for freight charges.

The Air Waybill (AWB) combines three functions in a single document: it serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, a receipt for goods accepted by the carrier, and a basis for freight charges. Issued by the airline or an authorised IATA freight agent, it records shipper, consignee, commodity description, dimensions, weight, and all applicable charges. The AWB is non-negotiable: title to the goods cannot be transferred by endorsing the document, and the airline delivers directly to the named consignee – not to whoever holds the paper. This sets it clearly apart from a bill of lading, which is a negotiable instrument. The AWB number serves as the primary reference for shipment tracking, customs clearance, and claims handling.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/ AWB/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/ AWB/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Air Waybill |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 118 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/ AWB/ |

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