Air Waybill in Air Freight: Requirements, Types & Functions

As an exporter or importer, when you ship products through air, you need several documents. For example, certificate of origin, letter of credit, bill of entry, commercial invoice, air waybill and import license.

In today’s reading, we will tell you all the relevant things you should know about air waybill (AWB) and its types.

What is Air Waybill?

This is a shipping document, also known as an air consignment note, that is pasted on the exterior side of the parcel. Its main purpose is to provide all the information regarding the shipment’s goods. There are multiple copies of air waybills that are used by the authorities at the time of customs clearance.

Information Required For an Air Waybill

The air waybill contains the following information.

• AWB number: It is a unique number of 11 digits, which is used as an identification code.
• The address of both airports (the origin & the destination airports).
• The complete details about the carrier of shipment.
• Complete details of the sender, shipper and receiver of cargo.
• It is also mentioned about the airlines that carry the shipment. 
• There should be special packing instructions for fragile and perishable items.
• The total weight of the shipment and the number of parcels are also mentioned. 
• Detailed information about the goods including HS category, weight and the evaluation price of the goods.
• Payment information and insurance details are also included in the air waybill.

Why is the Air WayBill Needed?

Receipt of Goods

This document is proof that goods are received by the airline. 

Tracking

The AWB number can be used as a tracking number to find the current location of your shipment.

Contract of Carriage

If this document is signed by the shipper and the carrier, then it becomes a legal document that gives protection to the consignment.

Commercial Invoice

It also acts as a commercial invoice and includes the price, quantity and other important details about your products.

Customs Declaration

You will get help in calculating the customs duties. Because HS categories and the price of evaluation are part of the air waybill.

Types of Air WayBills

Master Air Waybill

The airline which carries your consignment assigns you the master air waybill. It covers multiple shipments under a consolidated shipment. Mostly used for bulk cargo shipments.

House Air WayBill

This is issued by the freight forwarder and used for smaller individual shipments. It is actually a contract between the shipper and the freight forwarder. 

Electronic Air Waybill

You receive this bill online as some airlines don’t accept physical AWB. This is a convenient way to send this document.

Colors Scheme of AWB

Authorities issue a total of 8 copies of Air Waybill. Four of them are colorful and three of them are original. The other 4 copies are white and used for different purposes.

• The first copy color is green.
• Second copy color is pink.
• The third copy color is blue.
• The 4th color copies are yellow and brown.
• All other copies are white.

Identification Code of Airway Bill 

Every air waybill has a specific identification code. That is written in the form of AWB. It is the unique identification of AWB. Identification number has eleven (11) digits and three (3) parts.

• The starting three digits are the prefix of airline. It gives information about the carrier of goods.
• The next 7 digits are called serial numbers that make the AWB form unique and specific.
• The ending digit is the check digit. This means we can get it by dividing the serial number of the form with 7.

Air Waybill is Used For:

• It facilitates tracking the current location of your shipment.
• In any dispute, you get help to resolve the issue, as it is a written document between parties.
• Customs authorities use this certificate to calculate the duties and taxes. 
• Protects the rights of all parties as it has already defined the responsibilities and the rights of each stakeholder involved in air freight.

How Do I Put the Air Waybill on Parcel?

• You should put it on the top of the parcel. 
• Plus, don’t attach it on any other label or tape because this will cause overlapping.
• You must not add this on the edges or the opening side of the box. 
• We recommend you can put an extra copy of the airway inside the box as well.

FAQs

Who Provides the Air Waybill?

Air waybill is provided either by the carrier or the freight forwarder depending on the type of the AWB.

What is the Difference Between An Ocean Lading Bill and An Air Waybill?

An ocean lading bill is the document provided in sea freight shipping, while an air waybill is used in air freight.

To Summarize

We hope now you have a good understanding of air waybill. Our team at Bansarship is available 24/7 if you want any help in getting this important document.

And if you want to ship goods from China to anywhere in the world, you can send us a message. We take full responsibility of your cargo shipments from Chinese ports/factories to your desired location.