# Airfreight Consolidation Programs

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> A freight forwarder collects multiple small shipments from different shippers bound for the same destination airport, groups them into a single bookable air freight unit, and ships them under one master airway bill (MAWB) – that is airfreight consolidation.

A freight forwarder collects multiple small shipments from different shippers bound for the same destination airport, groups them into a single bookable air freight unit, and ships them under one master airway bill (MAWB) – that is airfreight consolidation. At destination, the consignment is broken down and each individual shipment is delivered under its own house airway bill (HAWB). The model gives small and medium-sized shippers access to volume freight rates without committing to full-pallet or full-unit bookings. Transit times can run slightly longer than direct bookings due to the additional handling at the consolidation point, typically by a matter of hours to a day. Forwarders operating regular consolidation services on specific trade lanes are known as consolidators.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Airfreight Consolidation Programs |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 118 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/consolidation/ |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/airfreight-consolidation-programs](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/airfreight-consolidation-programs)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/airfreight-consolidation-programs](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/airfreight-consolidation-programs)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/airfreight-consolidation-programs/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/airfreight-consolidation-programs/llm-summary?lang=en)*