How much does air freight cost per kg?

Air freight costs vary greatly by route, weight and service: Standard air freight approx. EUR 2–8/kg, Express (24–48h) approx. EUR 5–15/kg, Same Day / NFO approx. EUR 10–30/kg. Additional charges include fuel surcharge (FSC), security surcharge (SSC) and customs clearance. Chargeable weight (volumetric weight: L×W×H/6000 vs. actual weight) determines billing.

What is an AWB (Air Waybill)?

An AWB (Air Waybill) is the key document in air freight. It acts as a contract of carriage, receipt, and tracking document. Unlike the Bill of Lading (sea freight), the AWB is non-negotiable. The MAWB (Master AWB) is issued by the airline, the HAWB (House AWB) by the freight forwarder. The 11-digit AWB number enables worldwide real-time tracking.

How is chargeable weight calculated?

Chargeable weight in air freight is the greater of: actual gross weight (kg) vs. volumetric weight (cm³ / 6,000). Example: A shipment 80×60×50 cm has volumetric weight 80×60×50/6000 = 40 kg. If actual weight is only 25 kg, billing is at 40 kg (chargeable weight). Courier services often use divisor 5,000.

What is the difference between express and standard air freight?

Standard air freight (Economy Air): 3–5 business days, cheapest option, space subject to availability. Express (24–48h): prioritised space on direct flights. Same Day / NFO (Next Flight Out): next available flight, 6–24h. AOG (Aircraft on Ground): emergency service for aircraft parts, 2–6h. Hand Carry: human courier personally accompanies the shipment.

What is IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) in air freight?

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) govern the air transport of hazardous materials. There are 9 classes (explosives, gases, flammables, solids, oxidisers, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, miscellaneous). Shippers must complete a Shipper's Declaration, use approved packaging and apply specific markings. IATA DGR regulations are stricter than ADR (road) or IMDG (sea).

What is a charter flight in air freight?

An air freight charter means the exclusive booking of an entire cargo aircraft (full freighter). Charter types: Ad-hoc charter (single flight), ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance – wet lease), Time Charter (long-term rental). Suitable for shipments from approximately 30–50 tonnes, time-critical express deliveries or destinations with no regular scheduled service. Full freighter types: Boeing 747F (approx. 110t), B777F (approx. 102t), MD-11F (approx. 90t).

How long does air freight from China to Europe take?

Air freight from China (e.g. Shanghai, Shenzhen) to Europe (Frankfurt, Amsterdam): Direct flight 11–13 hours flight time. Including pre-carriage, handling at origin airport and customs clearance at destination airport, door-to-door time is typically 3–5 business days for standard express. Same Day or NFO can be delivered within 24–36h. Economy Air takes 5–7 business days.

What documents do I need for air freight?

Mandatory documents for international air freight: 1) AWB (Air Waybill), 2) Commercial Invoice with cargo value and HS code, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration (EXA/AES), 5) for dangerous goods: Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG). Optional: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, CITES permit for protected species. For letter of credit transactions: complete document set.

What are FSC and SSC in air freight?

FSC (Fuel Surcharge) varies weekly or monthly based on jet fuel prices, usually EUR 0.50–2.00/kg. SSC (Security Surcharge / Security and Cargo Screening) covers airport security screening measures, usually EUR 0.10–0.30/kg. Both surcharges are additional to the base rate and applied to chargeable weight. Other surcharges: SCC (screening), AMS (US pre-notification), PCA (Peak Congestion Add-on).

Can lithium batteries be sent by air freight?

Lithium batteries are IATA Dangerous Goods Class 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances). Lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) and lithium metal batteries (UN 3090) may be shipped by air freight under strict conditions: state of charge maximum 30% for UN 3480, original packaging or UN-approved packaging, hazard label marking, Shipper's Declaration. Passenger aircraft have stricter quantity limits than cargo-only aircraft.

What is Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter?

Belly Cargo: freight transported in the lower deck of a passenger aircraft. Cheaper option, dependent on passenger flight routes and capacities. Capacity of an A380: approx. 20–23t belly cargo. Full Freighter: Dedicated cargo aircraft (no passenger cabin). Higher capacity (Boeing 747F: approx. 110t), more route and schedule flexibility, ideal for heavy or bulky freight, dangerous goods and large charter volumes.

What is the difference between MAWB and HAWB?

MAWB (Master Air Waybill): Issued by the airline to the freight forwarder. Covers the entire consolidated shipment. HAWB (House Air Waybill): Issued by the freight forwarder to the actual shipper/consignee. Contains the specific shipment details of the individual shipper. For direct shipments without a forwarder, there is only one MAWB.

What is the AWB number and how do you track?

The MAWB number consists of 11 digits: 3-digit IATA airline code + 8-digit shipment number. Example: 020-12345678 (020 = Lufthansa Cargo). Tracking via: airline website directly, IATA Cargo portal (cargo.iata.org), or freight forwarder portal via HAWB number. Real-time status: AWB Accepted, Departed, Arrived, In Customs, Delivered.

What is e-AWB and is it mandatory?

e-AWB (Electronic Air Waybill) is the paperless version of the AWB per IATA Resolution 672. Since 2023, e-AWB is standard on most IATA routes. Benefits: faster processing, fewer errors, free (no paper printing). The e-AWB is transmitted via the IATA Cargo XML system or Cargo Community Systems (CCS). Not all countries accept e-AWB – check country-specific requirements.

What is a Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)?

The SLI is the shipper's instruction to the freight forwarder to create the AWB. It contains all necessary information: shipper and consignee details, goods description, weight and dimensions, HS code, Incoterm, insurance request and special instructions. The SLI is not an official transport document, but an internal working document.

AWB vs. Bill of Lading: What are the differences?

Key differences: 1) Negotiability: B/L is negotiable (can be endorsed), AWB is non-negotiable. 2) Title: B/L is a document of title, AWB is not. 3) Delivery: B/L original must be presented, AWB only requires ID proof. 4) Copies: B/L in 3 originals, AWB as single original. 5) Transport: B/L = sea, AWB = air.

What is a Neutral AWB?

A Neutral AWB (Neutral Air Waybill) contains no indication of the original carrier or freight forwarder. It is used when forwarders do not want to inform their agents or customers about the airline used (e.g. for wholesale rates). The neutral AWB is identical in structure to a standard AWB but has no carrier logo.

What information does an AWB contain?

An AWB contains: Shipper, Consignee, Airport of departure, Airport of destination, Airline, Weight and number of pieces, Goods description and HS code, Freight rate and charges, Payment terms (Prepaid/Collect), special handling instructions (e.g. chilled goods, fragile, dangerous goods class), insurance information and special instructions.

What does Prepaid vs. Collect mean on the AWB?

Prepaid (PP): Freight charges paid by the shipper. Common with CIF, CPT, DAP Incoterms. Collect (CC): Freight charges paid by the consignee. Common with EXW, FOB, FCA Incoterms. Note: With Collect, the shipment may be held at the destination airport if the consignee refuses to pay.

How long is an AWB valid?

An AWB has no explicit validity period as such – it accompanies the shipment from departure to delivery. For claims purposes under the Warsaw Convention/Montreal Convention: damage claims must be submitted within 14 days of receipt, delay claims within 21 days. Booking confirmations are generally valid until the booked flight date.

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Air Freight · Documents

Air Waybill (AWB)

The complete guide: MAWB vs. HAWB, all 18 AWB fields explained, e-AWB, difference to B/L, tracking and the process in 7 steps.

Air Waybill document – air freight consignment note

Air freight handling at airport – AWB inspection

What is an Air Waybill (AWB)?

The Air Waybill (AWB) is the central transport and legal document in air freight. Standardised by IATA and valid worldwide. The AWB simultaneously fulfils three functions:

Contract of carriage

Binding contract between shipper and air carrier

Receipt

Confirmation of cargo receipt by the carrier

Tracking document

Unique 11-digit number for worldwide real-time tracking

Important: AWB is non-negotiable

Unlike the Bill of Lading (sea freight), the AWB is not a document of title. The consignee does not need to present an original – they simply identify with ID and AWB number at the destination airport.

MAWB vs. HAWB – The two AWB types

MAWB

Master Air Waybill

Airline → Freight Forwarder

Covers the entire consolidation. Contains flight details, total weight, airline routing. Shipper normally does not see this document.

HAWB

House Air Waybill

Freight Forwarder → Shipper/Consignee

Contains individual shipment details of the specific shipper. This is the document that shippers and consignees receive and use for tracking.

For direct bookings (shipper books directly with the airline, without forwarder) there is only one MAWB. The shipper is then also the shipper in the MAWB.

AWB Fields – all 18 explained

Field

Explanation

Airport of Departure

IATA code of the departure airport, e.g. FRA for Frankfurt.

Booking Reference

Internal booking reference of the airline or freight forwarder.

Shipper

Name, full address and phone number of the shipper.

Consignee

Name, full address and phone number of the consignee.

Agent/Forwarder

IATA agent code and name of the issuing freight forwarder.

Airport of Destination

IATA code of the destination airport, e.g. JFK for New York.

Routing / Flight Details

Airline codes, flight numbers, connecting airports and flight dates.

Payment Terms (PP/CC)

PP = Prepaid (shipper pays). CC = Collect (consignee pays).

Currency

Currency for freight billing, e.g. USD, EUR, CHF.

Declared Value

Declared cargo value for customs purposes and liability limitation.

Number of Pieces and Weight

Number of pieces, gross weight (kg) and volumetric weight.

Goods Description

Nature of goods, HS code, dangerous goods class (if applicable).

Special Handling Codes (SHC)

E.g. PER (perishable), DGR (dangerous goods), AVI (live animals), PIL (pharma), HUM (human remains).

Freight Rate and Charges

Base rate + FSC (fuel) + SSC (security) + other surcharges = total price.

Incoterm

Delivery terms (e.g. FOB, CIF, EXW, DAP), defines risk transfer and cost allocation.

Insurance

If requested: insured value and type of coverage (all risk or specific perils).

Date and Place of Issue

Date, place and signature of the issuer (airline or agent).

Special Instructions

Free text field for special transport instructions or notes.

AWB vs. Bill of Lading (B/L) – Direct Comparison

Document

Air Waybill (AWB)

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Mode

Air Freight

Ocean Freight

Negotiable?

No (non-negotiable)

Yes (endorsable)

Document of title?

Yes

Original required?

No – ID sufficient

Yes (for Original B/L)

Copies

1 original + copies

3 originals (set)

Liability limit

26 SDR/kg (Montreal Convention, from 28.12.2024)

2 SDR/kg or 666.67 SDR/pkg (Hague-Visby Rules)

Letter of Credit (L/C)?

HAWB accepted (UCP 600 Art. 23)

Original B/L required (UCP 600 Art. 20)

e-AWB – The Paperless Air Waybill

The e-AWB (Electronic Air Waybill) is based on IATA Resolution 672 and eliminates the need for physical paper documents. The adoption rate exceeded 80% globally in 2023; e-AWB is now de facto standard on most main routes (IATA target: 100%).

e-AWB Benefits

Faster processing (no paper documents)
Fewer errors via automated data validation
Free – no printing, no shipping
Environmentally friendly
Real-time data availability for all parties

Limitations

Not all countries accept e-AWB (e.g. certain Asia/Africa destinations)
Special Cargo Community Systems (CCS) required
Dangerous goods shipments still require paper documentation

AWB Tracking – How to Track Your Shipment

AWB shipment tracking – air freight status on digital dashboard

MAWB Number Format

020

–

12345678

020 = IATA airline code

12345678 = Shipment number

Tracking Status Overview

AWB AcceptedAWB has been registered by the airline or forwarder

Freight ReceivedFreight checked in at departure terminal and weighed

DepartedShipment has departed from the origin airport

In TransitShipment is en route (possible connection)

ArrivedShipment has arrived at destination airport

In CustomsCustoms clearance in progress

DeliveredShipment delivered to consignee

AWB Process – 7 Steps

AWB process in 7 steps (air freight)

1
Complete SLI
Shipper completes Shipper's Letter of Instruction with shipment details.
2
HAWB issued
Freight forwarder creates House AWB based on SLI.
3
MAWB issued
Airline issues Master AWB for the freight forwarder.
4
Terminal check-in
Freight checked in, weighed, measured. AWB tracking activated.
5
Flight & Transit
Tracking via MAWB number. Status: Departed/Arrived.
6
Customs clearance
Import customs declaration based on AWB + invoice + packing list.
7
Delivery
Consignee identifies with AWB No. + ID. No original required.

Air freight process – handling and document check at the airport

Complete SLI

Shipper completes Shipper's Letter of Instruction with shipment details.

HAWB issued

Freight forwarder creates House AWB based on SLI.

MAWB issued

Airline issues Master AWB for the freight forwarder.

Terminal check-in

Freight checked in, weighed, measured. AWB tracking activated.

Flight & Transit

Tracking via MAWB number. Status: Departed/Arrived.

Customs clearance

Import customs declaration based on AWB + invoice + packing list.

Delivery

Consignee identifies with AWB No. + ID. No original required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Air Waybill (AWB)Air Freight Carrier Customs Clearance

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Airline codes, AWB fundamentals, charter, IATA dangerous goods, chargeable weight, transit times and express: everything dispatch and sales need on air freight.