What AWBs contain, MAWB vs HAWB, and how they differ from ocean documents
What is an AWB?
An Air Waybill (AWB) is issued for air freight to acknowledge receipt of goods and set out the contract of carriage. It is non-negotiable and does not confer title; delivery is usually made to the named consignee upon identification.
Common AWB Fields
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AWB Number | Airline 3-digit prefix + 8-digit serial for tracking |
| Shipper / Consignee | Parties sending and receiving the cargo |
| Pieces / Weight | Number of packages and gross/chargeable weight |
| Nature of Goods | Description incl. any dangerous goods declarations |
| Routing | Airports, flight numbers, and service level |
| Charges | Freight charges, surcharges, collect/prepaid |
| Incoterms | Commercial terms agreed between buyer and seller |
MAWB vs HAWB
In consolidations, the Master AWB (MAWB) is between airline and forwarder, while the House AWB (HAWB) is between shipper and forwarder. Tracking can involve both references.
How Clintopia Helps
We issue and manage AWBs for Air Freight moves, coordinate handling, and provide end-to-end visibility. For onward delivery or collections, see Container Haulage and Distribution.
Related terms
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