When shipping goods by air, one key document ensures everything moves smoothly—the Air Waybill (AWB). It acts as a contract, receipt, and tracking document all in one, connecting shipper, airline, and consignee throughout the journey.
An Air Waybill (AWB) is a document issued by the airline or forwarder that serves as proof of shipment, transport contract, and tracking record in air freight.
Understanding the AWB helps importers and exporters manage air shipments confidently, avoid customs issues, and ensure traceability from pickup to delivery.
What exactly is an Air Waybill and what does it include?
Every air shipment, whether small or large, must have an AWB. It’s the most important document in air freight logistics.
An AWB is a transport document that includes details like shipper, consignee, flight route, cargo weight, and charges—it’s both a receipt and a legal contract.
How the AWB works in practice
The AWB is issued once the goods are accepted by the airline or freight forwarder. It confirms that the shipment is on record, ready for export, and covered under international air transport regulations. The document includes:
- AWB Number: A unique 11-digit code used to track your shipment.
- Shipper and Consignee: Names and addresses of sender and receiver.
- Departure and Destination: Airport codes (e.g., PVG → LAX).
- Flight Details: Airline name and routing information.
- Cargo Description: Weight, volume, and number of packages.
- Charges: Freight cost, handling fees, and payment terms.
At CUSTOM LOGISTICS, we issue both Master Air Waybills (MAWB) and House Air Waybills (HAWB) for clients. This dual documentation ensures transparency and simplifies customs clearance at both origin and destination airports.
What is the difference between MAWB and HAWB?
If you’ve shipped by air before, you might have seen both MAWB and HAWB numbers. They serve similar purposes but represent different levels of responsibility.
A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline to the freight forwarder, while a House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the forwarder to the shipper or importer.
Understanding how MAWB and HAWB work together
Here’s how they connect:
| Type | Issued By | Given To | Represents | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAWB | Airline | Freight Forwarder | The full air shipment | Trackable via airline website |
| HAWB | Freight Forwarder | Shipper or Consignee | Individual client’s cargo | Trackable via forwarder’s system |
For example, if you ship 300 kg of electronics from Shenzhen to Los Angeles, your AWB may look like this:
- MAWB: 781-45678901 (Airline → Forwarder)
- HAWB: CLG-2025-112 (Forwarder → You)
Our CUSTOM LOGISTICS team manages both documents carefully, ensuring all details match the cargo and customs records. This prevents clearance issues that often occur when AWB data doesn’t align with commercial invoices or packing lists.
Why is the Air Waybill important in air freight?
The AWB isn’t just paperwork—it’s essential for tracking, legal protection, and customs clearance.
The AWB acts as proof of shipment, supports customs declarations, and enables real-time tracking through airline systems.
| Function | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Contract | Confirms agreement between shipper and carrier | Defines liability if cargo is damaged or delayed |
| Proof of Receipt | Shows goods were accepted by the airline | Essential for payment and insurance claims |
| Tracking Tool | AWB number enables online tracking | Provides visibility throughout shipment |
| Customs Document | Used for export/import clearance | Ensures accurate cargo classification and duties |
| Freight Billing | Lists charges and payment terms | Avoids confusion on costs and responsibility |
At CUSTOM LOGISTICS, we ensure all AWB details are reviewed before shipment. Our digital system syncs data between invoices, packing lists, and airwaybills, reducing manual errors. Clients receive the AWB copy immediately after flight departure for full transparency and easy tracking.
Conclusion
The Air Waybill is the backbone of air freight—it records every shipment’s details, confirms its legality, and ensures traceability from takeoff to delivery. Understanding AWBs, MAWBs, and HAWBs helps importers ship confidently and avoid costly mistakes. With CUSTOM LOGISTICS, every air shipment is documented, traceable, and fully compliant—so your goods fly smoothly and arrive on time.
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