GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Air Waybill (AWB)
When a carrier or its authorised agent accepts an air freight shipment, it issues an Air Waybill (AWB)—a non-negotiable transport document serving simultaneously as contract of carriage, receipt, and customs accompanying document.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/e-awb/
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Definition & Explanation
When a carrier or its authorised agent accepts an air freight shipment, it issues an Air Waybill (AWB)—a non-negotiable transport document serving simultaneously as contract of carriage, receipt, and customs accompanying document. It records shipper and consignee details, cargo description, gross weight, dimensions, tariff codes, and, where applicable, dangerous goods classifications under IATA-DGR. Unlike a bill of lading, the AWB conveys no title to the goods; delivery is made solely to the named consignee. Neither the airline nor customs authorities will release a shipment without a fully and correctly completed AWB. In modern air freight, the document is predominantly issued in electronic form as an e-AWB.
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