GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
When a freight forwarder acting as consolidator tenders a groupage shipment to an airline, the carrier issues a Master Air Waybill (MAWB) – the primary contract of carriage governing the relationship between airline and forwarder for the entire consolidated consignment.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e-freight/awb/
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Definition & Explanation
When a freight forwarder acting as consolidator tenders a groupage shipment to an airline, the carrier issues a Master Air Waybill (MAWB) – the primary contract of carriage governing the relationship between airline and forwarder for the entire consolidated consignment. The MAWB records total weight, dimensions, dangerous goods classifications where applicable, and the freight charges agreed between carrier and consolidator; it is not addressed to individual shippers or consignees. Each separate shipment within the consolidation is covered by a House Air Waybill (HAWB) issued by the forwarder to its own customers. At destination, the MAWB drives customs clearance, defines the liability boundary between airline and forwarder, and acts as the key traceability document in the cargo terminal. IATA prescribes standardized number series and formats for MAWBs.
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