Mastering the Air Waybill: a Guide to Efficient Air Freight

In air freight logistics, a term that often causes confusion is the air waybill (AWB). How do I track the air waybill number? What information does an air waybill contain? What is the difference between an air waybill and a sea waybill? These questions are common pain points for businesses. In this blog post, we will answer questions ranging from what the AWB is, how it works, how it is tracked, and how it differs from a sea waybill, exploring the role of the AWB in logistics and helping you better manage your logistics and transportation processes.

What is an air waybill (AWB)?

An air waybill (AWB) is an important document in air freight that is sent along with your air freight shipment. It acts as a contract between the shipper (consignor) and the carrier (airline) and provides all the details about the shipment. The air waybill can also be used as a tracking document, allowing businesses to monitor the progress of their shipments in real time.

What does an air waybill contain?

An air waybill is a transport contract and cargo receipt between a carrier and a shipper. It usually contains the following key information:

The name and detailed address of the consignor and consignee

Description, quantity, weight, volume and packaging of the goods

Route and transit ports of the goods from the origin to the destination

Payment methods and responsibilities for freight, insurance and other expenses

The issue date and number of the AWB, a unique identifier for tracking the shipment.

Special instructions: Any handling requirements or additional details of the carrier.

This information ensures transparency and traceability of the cargo transportation process and is an integral part of cargo transportation.

What is the role of an air waybill?

Contract of transportation

The AWB confirms the handover and transportation details of the cargo and is an agreement between the shipper and the airline.

Cargo certificate

It is a legal document that proves that the goods have been shipped. The AWB carries relevant information about the goods, which the consignee can use to prove the legal ownership and right to receive the goods.

Tracking the goods

The AWB usually contains a tracking number, which allows stakeholders to track the location and status of the goods in real time.

Customs clearance and settlement

The AWB provides the necessary information to the customs for customs clearance and reflects the transportation costs and settlement methods.

Supporting documents

The AWB can be used as a document to prove the transportation and handover of goods, and can also be used as a basis for claims and dispute resolution.

How to find an air waybill (AWB)?

In modern logistics management, finding an AWB has become increasingly convenient. Many logistics companies and freight forwarders provide online tracking systems. Taking Kuehne + Nagel (China) Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. as an example, you can quickly check the status of your goods by simply entering the AWB number in the air freight section of its official website.

How to get an air waybill?

For example, major carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS issue air waybills for all air shipments. If you work with a third-party fulfillment provider such as Chinadivision, we will handle the process for you and ensure that all documents are complete and accurate. When you hand over the goods to the airline or freight forwarder, they will issue you an AWB. Usually, after the goods are received and shipped, the carrier or its agent will give a copy of the AWB to the shipper (the shipper copy) as proof that the goods have been received.

What information does an air waybill number consist of?

An AWB number is usually a series of letters and numbers that are unique and are used to identify a specific shipment. The specific format of an AWB number may vary by airline or freight forwarder, but it usually includes information such as the date of issue, airline code, flight number, and serial number.

What types of air waybills are there?

Master Air Waybill (MAWB)

Issued directly by the airline and is a contract between the shipper and the airline.

House Air Waybill (HAWB)

Issued by the freight forwarder at the port of departure to the actual shipper for centralized shipping operations.

Electronic AWB

Fast, convenient and secure, it helps reduce environmental pollution caused by paper documents.

Paper AWB

Needs to be prepared before the departure of the goods and accompany them throughout the journey to ensure the normal customs clearance and delivery of the goods.

Differences between air waybills and ocean bills of lading

Property rights documents

Ocean bills of lading are property rights documents and can be transferred; while air waybills are only vouchers for transportation and delivery and cannot be transferred.

Pickup method

The holder of an ocean bill of lading needs to pick up the goods from the carrier with the bill of lading; the consignee of an air waybill operates according to the airline's pickup notice.

Customs clearance process

The ocean bill of lading needs to be exchanged before customs clearance; the air waybill can be used directly for customs clearance.

The main difference between an air waybill and an ocean bill of lading is the mode of transportation. Air transport is the ideal mode of transportation:

The transportation of goods requires a high time requirement.

The goods are of high value or perishable.

The delivery location is far from the port.

In contrast, ocean transport is more suitable for bulk goods because cost is the main consideration. Chinadivision can help you evaluate various options based on your business needs to ensure the best results.

What is a USPS Airway Bill?

The USPS Airway Bill is a cargo waybill used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in international air transportation. It is similar to an AWB and is used to prove the transportation and handover of goods. USPS does not issue traditional air waybills, but provides international shipping labels and customs forms for air transportation.

Airway Bill Number Tracking

The AWB number allows you to track the status and location of your cargo in real time in the online tracking system of the airline or freight forwarder.

DHL Airway Bill

As an internationally renowned logistics company, the AWB format and content used by DHL may be slightly different from other airlines or freight forwarders, but the basic functions and roles are the same.

Cargo Airway Bill Tracking

Similar to ordinary AWB tracking, you only need to enter the AWB number of the cargo to track the transportation of the cargo on the relevant logistics platform.

Air Consignment Note

Although the names are different, the Air Consignment Note and AWB are very similar in function and role. Both are transportation contracts and cargo receipts between carriers and shippers.

How Chinadivision Streamlines the Process

At Chinadivision, we provide comprehensive third-party logistics solutions to reduce the burden of air freight for you. From generating accurate air waybills to providing end-to-end tracking and timely delivery, we handle all aspects of your logistics.

Facing the common pain points of B2B enterprises in logistics and transportation, such as chaotic AWB management, difficult cargo tracking, and high transportation costs, Chinadivision, as a professional third-party fulfillment service provider, provides the following solutions:

One-stop logistics management: Integrate multiple modes of transportation such as air, sea, and land transportation to provide you with one-stop logistics management services.

Intelligent tracking system: Use advanced logistics tracking technology to achieve real-time tracking of AWB numbers and timely update of cargo status.

Cost optimization strategy: According to your specific needs, formulate personalized transportation plans to effectively reduce transportation costs.

Professional customer service support: Provide 24/7 professional customer service support to answer your questions about AWB management, cargo tracking, etc.

By working with Chinadivision, you will be able to easily solve common pain points in logistics and transportation, improve business efficiency, and reduce operating costs. If you have any questions about AWB or logistics and transportation, please feel free to contact us!