An Air Waybill (AWB) is a contract between an airline and a shipper that Outlines the terms and conditions of carriage of air cargo. The air waybill can also be used as a receipt and proof of ownership of the goods transported.

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What is Air Waybill (AWB)?

An air waybill (AWB) is a document that comes with an air shipment. It is a contract between the shipper and the airline indicating that the airline has accepted the cargo and is responsible for transporting it to its destination.

An air waybill contains the contents of the goods, the sender and recipient, terms and conditions, and other information. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issues air waybills, which are a standard format.

The air waybill involves three parties: the consignor, the airline and the recipient.

An air waybill must be filled out before any goods are shipped. If signed by both the shipper and the relevant carrier, the air waybill becomes a legally binding document. The information must be filled in completely and accurately, as it is a legally binding instrument between the parties.

The role of air waybills

Some of the main functions of AWB include providing detailed information about the shipment, the volume or weight of the shipment, the number of packages in the shipment, contact information between the parties, acting as a receipt for the shipment, and acting as a contract between the shipper and the airline. The AWB also typically includes a list of any special instructions for handling the shipment.

Air waybill format

A typical air waybill is a single page document containing important details. The International Air Transport Association created and distributed the waybill for domestic and international transportation.

The first three copies of the document are originals, printed in eight sets of different colors.

The first original (green) is a copy made by the issuing carrier.

Second copy (pink) for consignee.

The third one (blue) is for the shipper.

The fourth copy is brown for receipt and delivery confirmation.

All other copies are white.

Each air waybill must display the carrier's name, business address, identification, and 11-digit air waybill number (which can be used to make reservations and monitor the progress and location of the cargo).

Electronic Air Waybill (e-AWB)

An electronic Air waybill (e-AWB) is an electronic version of a paper air waybill used to track air cargo. Electronic waybills are standardized waybills created and used by airlines, freight forwarders and other parties involved in air cargo. Electronic waybills allow for more efficient and accurate tracking of shipments and reduce the paper clutter associated with traditional paper waybills.

Although paper air waybills are still accepted, IATA currently mainly uses electronic air waybills. The electronic version also contains the information required for the paper version.

Air waybill and bill of lading

Although an air waybill is similar to a bill of lading, there are some key differences between them. The two should not substitute for each other.

Both documents are crucial for international trade. These two documents are legal agreements between the carrier and shipper of the goods, which include specific information about the goods, how to handle the goods, and where the goods are going.

The ownership of the goods is the most different place between the air waybill and the bill of lading. A bill of lading is a document of title to the goods. It is the shipping company's acceptance of the goods with the understanding that only the party named on the bill of lading will receive the goods when they arrive.

The place of delivery is indicated on the air waybill, which is the carrier's or agent's receipt for the goods.

Conclusion

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