GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Air Waybill
When goods are tendered to an airline or handling agent, an Air Waybill (AWB) is issued on the spot: it serves simultaneously as the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, a receipt for the goods accepted, and the primary customs document at the destination airport.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/awb/
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Definition & Explanation
When goods are tendered to an airline or handling agent, an Air Waybill (AWB) is issued on the spot: it serves simultaneously as the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, a receipt for the goods accepted, and the primary customs document at the destination airport. The AWB records shipper and consignee details, weight, dimensions, commodity description, freight charges, and any dangerous goods or special handling codes. Unlike a bill of lading, the AWB is non-negotiable—it confers no title to the goods and therefore cannot be used to transfer ownership during transit, which limits its utility in documentary credit transactions. Shipment tracking is tied to the unique AWB number. A key distinction exists between the Master Air Waybill (MAWB), issued by the airline to the forwarder, and the House Air Waybill (HAWB), issued by the forwarder to its own client.
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