Key takeaways
- An air waybill, or AWB, is the contract of carriage and receipt for goods sent by air.
- It is not a document of title. The goods go to the named consignee, not to whoever holds the paper.
- The AWB number has 11 digits: a three-digit airline prefix, a seven-digit serial and a check digit.
- A master AWB is issued by the airline to the forwarder. A house AWB is issued by the forwarder to the shipper.
Free PDF and Excel: Air waybill review checklist and chargeable weight sheet. Get it below
What an AWB is
An air waybill is a transport document issued by an air carrier or its agent that records the contract for carriage of goods by air and acknowledges receipt of the goods.
It follows a standard layout set by the International Air Transport Association. It is not negotiable, so it cannot be endorsed to transfer ownership the way an ocean bill of lading can. That matters for banks, which are happy with a copy that shows the consignee.
A forwarder books 480 kg on a flight and receives a master AWB from the airline, number 176-12345675. It issues house AWBs to three shippers whose cartons share the consignment.
The forwarder's consolidated shipment travels under the master AWB. Each shipper receives only their own house AWB, which names the actual consignee.
| Field | What goes in it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| AWB number | Airline prefix, serial and check digit. | Tracking and reference. |
| Shipper and consignee | Names, addresses, contact. | Who sends and who receives. |
| Airport of departure and destination | Codes and names. | Routing. |
| Pieces, gross weight, chargeable weight | Count, kg and rate basis. | Freight charge. |
| Nature and quantity of goods | Description, dimensions. | Customs and handling. |
| Declared value for carriage and customs | Amount or "NVD". | Liability limits. |
| Charges | Prepaid or collect. | Who pays freight. |
| Handling information | Dangerous goods, temperature. | Safety. |
| Signatures and date | Shipper and carrier. | Execution. |
AWB versus bill of lading
| Feature | Air waybill | Bill of lading |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Air | Sea |
| Negotiable | No | Often yes |
| Document of title | No | Often yes |
| Originals needed to collect | No | Often yes |
| Issued by | Airline or forwarder | Shipping line or forwarder |
- Names and addresses match the invoice.
- Weights match the packing list.
- Charges are marked prepaid or collect as agreed.
- Handling codes are right for the goods.
- Number is recorded for tracking.
Last checked: 19 October 2026. General description based on IATA practice.
Free PDF and Excel
Air waybill review checklist and chargeable weight sheet
A checklist to review an air waybill and a worksheet for chargeable weight.
- AWB checklist
- Field guide
- Chargeable weight sheet
- Excel AWB log
Frequently asked questions
What is an air waybill?
The transport document and contract of carriage for air cargo.
Is an air waybill negotiable?
No. It is not a document of title.
What is a master air waybill?
The AWB issued by the airline to a forwarder covering a consolidated shipment.
What is a house air waybill?
The AWB issued by a forwarder to its own customer for their part of a consolidation.
How many digits are in an AWB number?
Eleven: three for the airline prefix, seven for the serial and one check digit.