An air waybill (AWB) is the most important air freight document. It is therefore essential that air waybill (AWB) is to be completed strictly following air waybill (AWB) completion procedures to conform to worldwide standards of transportation documents. Air waybill (AWB) can be completed either manually by typewriter or by computer. Well filled air waybill (AWB) may prevent delays and inconvenience.
In my
previous articles, I wrote about IATA traffic areas, and calculating chargeable weight. in this article, I will give you basic knowledge about air waybill then
I will write many articles about how to calculate international air freight
rates (including how to complete the air waybill).
What is the Air Waybill (AWB) Meaning?
An air waybill (AWB) is the document made out
by or on behalf of the shipper which, when used, evidences the contract between
the shipper and carrier(s) for carriage of goods over routes (From airport
departure to airport arrival) of the carrier(s). It must be signed by both:
- The shipper (or by the agent on his behalf)
- The carrier (or by the agent on his behalf)
What is the E-Air Waybill (e-AWB) Meaning?
The e-Air
Waybill (e-AWB) is an electronic version of the Air Waybill (paper-based) for
shipments transported by air. In some countries, the e-AWB is replacing the
paper-based version. The use of the e-AWB lays down stricter requirements in
respect of correct completion and accuracy. A benefit of the e-AWB is that the
electronic system can be connected, so it lowers processing costs for
stakeholders due to higher data accuracy and reducing errors. Unfortunately,
there are still many countries in the world where an e-Air Waybill is not yet
accepted. For these countries, paper-based versions therefore still have to be
prepared.
lower
processing cost for stakeholders due to higher data accuracy.
What are the types of Air Waybill (AWB)?
There are
two types of air waybills available in international trade:
1- Airline air waybill
An air
waybill is referred to as an “airline air waybill”, with preprinted issuing
carrier identification (format).
Usually, is called a master air waybill (MAWB), which is used for shipping by air, issued and signed by the air cargo carrier or its agent. A master air waybill (MAWB) is subject to IATA Rules and one of the international air conventions (Warsaw Convention, Hague amendment, Montreal Convention (Click here to read). Therefore, a consignee has protection in case the goods are damaged or lost in transit. On a master air waybill (MAWB) it is Stated only MAWB number.
2- Neutral air waybill
An air
waybill is referred to as a “neutral air waybill” without preprinted
identification of the issuing carrier in any form and used by other than an air
carrier.
Usually, is
called a house air waybill (HAWB), which is used for shipping by air, issued
and signed by a freight forwarder, generally on a natural air waybill format,
evidences the terms and conditions of the carriage of goods as specified by the
freight forwarder. Therefore,
the consignee may not have legal protection in case the goods are damaged or
lost in transit.
Why using a neutral air waybill as a house airwaybill?
Because it
is without pre-printed identification of the issuing carrier.
House air
waybill does not contain the actual carrier’s carriage contract, as a result,
shipper stated on the house air waybill is not the direct participant of the
carriage contract indicated on the master air waybill. On a House air waybill
(HAWB), it is Stated both MAWB and HAWB numbers.
Who prepares the airway bill (AWB)?
Master air
waybill (MAWB) can be issued or completed by the carrier or its agent. A documentation
charge is made and entered on the air waybill (code AW) and may be collected
form the shipper or consignee.
AWB issued by a carrier
Insertion in
the other charge's column: AWC (C for the carrier)
AWB issued by an agent
Insertion in
the other charge's column: AWA (A for the agent)
The level
of charge varies locally and there is a minimum amount published in the IATA TACT
Rules book.
The air
freight forwarder prepares and issues the house air waybills (HAWBs) for his customers,
and covers all house air waybills in one master air waybill (MAWB). In this case,
the freight forwarder is a shipper and his agent is a consignee (all house air
waybills are included in one house manifest attached to the master air waybill
(MAWB).
How many copies of AWB are there?
1- Airline air waybill
It is a
set of a minimum of eight copies, of which three are originals and marked as
the following:
The
airline air waybill set shall be printed as specified below:
Original 3 -Blue
For Shipper
to be given to the shipper to serve as:
1-
proof of receipt of the goods
for shipment.
2-
Documentary evidence of carrier's
and shippers' signature to the contract of carriage.
Original 1 – Green
For Issuing
Carrier to be retained by the carrier issuing the AWB for accounting purposes
and to serve as documentary evidence of carrier's and shippers' signature to
the contract of carriage.
Original 2 – Pink
For Consignee
to accompany consignment to the final destination and to be tendered to the consignee
on delivery.
Copy 4
To be used
as a delivery Receipt
all other
copies have the same layout, wording, and shading
2- Neutral air waybill
It may be
either in a set of a minimum of eight copies or in two sets of a minimum of
four copies each.
What are the functions of the air waybill?
The air
waybill serves many functions, such as:
- Contract of carriage
- Evidence of receipt of goods
- Certificate of insurance
- Customs declaration
- Guide for handling and delivering goods
- Freight bill
- Contact information among all parties
- Description of the goods
- Tracking of shipment
Summary
The Air
Waybill covers the air freight shipment. An air freight shipment is not
accepted by the airline without the Air Waybill. Furthermore, an air waybill (AWB)
is the document made out by or on behalf of the shipper which, when used,
evidences the contract between the shipper and carrier(s) for carriage of goods
over routes of the carrier(s).
There are
two types of air waybills available in international trade:
1- Airline air
waybill
Usually, called
master air waybill (MAWB), it can be issued or completed by the carrier or
its agent.
2- Neutral air waybill
Usually, called
house air waybill (HAWB) it can be issued or completed by the carrier or
its agent.
By air
freight forwarder.
Both can be a set of a minimum of eight copies, of which three are originals.
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