The Air Waybill (AWB) number is a specialized identifier that plays a foundational role in the logistics of air freight. This unique code is assigned to every shipment, allowing parties across the supply chain to maintain visibility and control over cargo moving globally. The AWB number functions as the primary link between the physical goods and the documentation required for their transportation and delivery.
Defining the Air Waybill (AWB) Number
The Air Waybill itself is a non-negotiable document that serves three purposes: a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of instruction. It is issued by the air carrier or its authorized agent to the shipper upon acceptance of the goods. This document legally binds the carrier to transport the cargo under the listed terms and conditions.
Unlike a Bill of Lading used in ocean freight, the AWB is not a document of title and cannot be used to transfer ownership of the goods while they are in transit. The AWB number is the unique numerical reference printed on this document, ensuring every piece of cargo can be distinctly identified throughout its journey.
The Structure and Format of an AWB Number
The AWB number is standardized globally by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is always an 11-digit code. This number is broken down into two main components. The first three digits form the Airline Code, which is a unique IATA-assigned prefix that identifies the issuing air carrier (e.g., 001 for American Airlines).
The remaining eight digits form the Serial Number, which is unique to the specific shipment. This sequence consists of a seven-digit serial number followed by a single Check Digit. The check digit is mathematically determined by dividing the seven-digit serial number by seven, with the remainder becoming the final digit, which helps prevent data entry errors during processing.
The Essential Functions of the AWB
The AWB number provides the necessary framework for the cargo’s operational utility within the logistics chain. Its primary function is to facilitate real-time tracking, allowing all involved parties to monitor the shipment’s status and location from the moment it is tendered to the carrier. This transparency aids in managing inventory and coordinating downstream logistics.
The AWB is also the primary document relied upon for Customs declarations and clearance in both the origin and destination countries. It contains detailed information about the goods, including weight, value, and commodity codes, ensuring compliance with international trade laws. Furthermore, the document conveys handling instructions necessary for specialized cargo, such as dangerous goods or temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals, ensuring the cargo is stored and moved under appropriate conditions.
Different Types of Air Waybills
When a freight forwarder is involved, two distinct types of Air Waybills reflect the consolidated nature of the shipment. The Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is the contract issued by the air carrier to the freight forwarder. This single document covers the entire consolidated shipment, which is composed of multiple smaller consignments from various individual shippers.
The MAWB lists the freight forwarder as both the shipper and the consignee. Conversely, the House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder directly to each individual shipper whose goods are part of the consolidation. The HAWB covers only that shipper’s specific consignment, serving as their receipt and contract with the forwarder.
Both documents manage the flow of consolidated cargo. The MAWB is used by the airline to manage the bulk movement, while the HAWB is what the individual shipper uses to track their specific goods and for customs clearance. The HAWB often references the corresponding MAWB number, linking the individual consignment back to the bulk shipment.
How to Use Your AWB Number for Tracking and Documentation
The 11-digit AWB number is the information required to begin tracking a shipment, typically through the carrier’s dedicated website or a third-party tracking platform. Users enter the complete number, often without spaces or hyphens, to access current status updates and transit history. This provides an immediate view of the cargo’s movement.
The number can be found in several places once the shipment is booked, including on the shipping receipt, the carrier’s invoice, or the physical label affixed to the cargo itself. When communicating with the air carrier or a customs broker, quoting the exact AWB number is necessary. It is the definitive reference point that allows personnel to quickly retrieve all associated documentation and shipment details.