What is an AWB? An air waybill, also known as a consignment note, dispatch note, or waybill, is a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It provides important information for the shipper, is used to track shipments, and contains a barcode to electronically identify the shipment.
What is an AWB?
AWB stands for Air Waybill, which is a document accompanying goods shipped by a shipping service to provide detailed information about the shipment and enable tracking.
An AWB has multiple copies so that every party involved in the shipment can keep a record. An air waybill (AWB), also known as an air consignment note, is a type of bill of lading. However, while an AWB serves a similar function to a marine bill of lading, it is issued in a non-negotiable form, meaning it offers less protection than a marine bill of lading.
Functions of the Air Waybill (AWB)
An air waybill (AWB) serves as a receipt for the goods by the airline (carrier), as well as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. It is a legally enforceable agreement.
The air waybill also contains the shipper’s name and address, the consignee’s name and address, the three-letter origin airport code, the three-letter destination airport code, the declared shipment value for customs purposes, the number of pieces, the gross weight, a description of the goods, and any special instructions (e.g., “fragile”).
The AWB also contains contractual provisions outlining the carrier’s terms and conditions, such as limits of liability and claims procedures, a description of the goods, and applicable charges.
The air waybill is a standard form distributed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Types and Characteristics of Air Waybills
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) designs and distributes air waybills. There are two types of AWBs: airline-specific and neutral. Every airline AWB must include the airline’s name, headquarters address, logo, and air waybill number. Neutral air waybills have the same layout and format as airline AWBs; they are simply not pre-filled.
An air waybill consists of 11 numbers and is issued in eight copies of various colors. With Multilateral Electronic Air Waybill Resolution 672, paper air waybills are no longer required. Known as the e-AWB, it has been in use since 2010 and became the default contract for all air cargo shipments on enabled trade routes starting in 2019. Some airlines no longer issue paper air waybills, allowing access only to electronic air waybills.
Air Waybill (AWB) vs. Bill of Lading
An AWB differs from other bills of lading because it is a non-negotiable instrument, meaning the AWB does not specify on which flight the shipment will be transported or when it will reach its destination. A bill of lading is a legal document between the shipper and the carrier, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported.
The bill of lading also serves as a receipt for the shipment when the goods are delivered to the specified destination. This document accompanies the goods and is signed by authorized representatives of the shipper, the carrier, and the consignee. However, unlike a bill of lading, an air waybill (AWB) is not negotiable. Because it is not negotiable, an AWB is a contract solely for transportation and does not cover the value of the goods.