Air waybill (AWB): What is its role in air transportation?

Air waybill (AWB), also known as air waybill, is a document for air cargo. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is an organization that manages air cargo.

What information does an air waybill contain?

1. The names and detailed addresses of the consignee (importer) and shipper;

2. The three letter IATA code for the airport of origin and destination;

3. The entire transportation route of the goods;

4. The shipping value of the goods;

5. The name, gross weight, size, quantity, etc. of the goods, and whether there are any special instructions (dangerous goods, perishable goods, etc.);

6. Limitation of Liability and Claims Procedure;

7. Is the freight, insurance, and bill of lading of the goods complete.

What is the function of an air waybill?

1. Proof of transportation contract as shipper and carrier;

2. The carrier's proof of receipt;

3. Function as a freight bill;

4. Record contact information;

5. As a guide for cargo handling, scheduling, and delivery;

6. Process customs declaration.

Format of air waybill

IATA has two types of air waybills; Airline specific AWB, which includes the airline's name, logo, headquarters address, and air waybill number; The format and layout of the comprehensive air waybill are the same as above, but there is no specific information about the airline. The air waybill has eight different color codes. The first three are originals, and the last five are copies. According to the order of location and color code, it is divided into:

1. Green (original) - copy of the carrier;

2. Pink (original) - copy of the consignee;

3. Blue (original) - copy of the shipper;

4. Brown (copy) - receipt and delivery certificate;

5. White (copy) - to be retained by the shipper.

The air waybill is filled out by the shipper and issued by the airline.

Types of air waybills

In the transaction, the exporter hires a freight forwarder to deliver the goods to the importer. The freight forwarder receives the goods from the exporter, hands them over to the carrier, and ensures that the goods are delivered to the importer. In this case, two types of air waybills are issued. HAWB: It is sent by the freight forwarder to the exporter upon receiving the air freight cargo. After the goods are transported to the main carrier and export customs procedures are completed, the carrier issues the main waybill to the freight forwarder.