A Comprehensive Guide to Air Waybills
An Air Waybill (AWB) is a crucial document accompanying goods shipped via international air courier, providing detailed information and enabling tracking of the shipment. Unlike ocean bills of lading, an AWB is issued in a non-negotiable format, meaning less protection compared to bills of lading.
Key Takeaways
- Air Waybill (AWB): A document accompanying goods shipped by international courier for tracking purposes.
- Contract of Carriage: Serves as a receipt and contract between the shipper and the carrier, enforceable by law.
- Document Details: Must include shipper’s and consignee’s details, destination airport, and value of contents.
Delving Deeper into Air Waybills
An Air Waybill (AWB) not only serves as a receipt by the airline but also as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, legally binding and enforceable. It becomes an enforceable contract when both parties (shipper/shipper’s agent and carrier/carrier’s agent) sign the document. Standardized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), AWBs facilitate smooth and efficient shipping processes.
What Information Does an AWB Contain?
An AWB includes the following details to ensure comprehensive documentation:
- Shipper’s name and address
- Consignee’s name and address
- Origin and destination airport codes
- Declared shipment value for customs
- Number of pieces and gross weight
- Description of the goods
- Special instructions (e.g., “perishable”)
Contract Conditions in an AWB
Apart from identification details, an AWB also outlines the terms and conditions of the contract, detailing the carrier’s liability limits, claims procedures, and applicable charges.
Difference Between Air Waybill and Bill of Lading
Unlike Bills of Lading, which are legal documents between the shipper and the carrier encompassing shipment details, AWBs are non-negotiable. Unlike Bills of Lading, they do not specify the flight or the exact arrival date, serving purely as contracts for transportation without covering the merchandise’s value.
Functionality of Bills of Lading
Bills of Lading act as a receipt of shipment upon delivery to the predetermined destination, signed by authorized representatives of the shipper, carrier, and recipient.
Requirements for an Efficient Air Waybill
Types and Design
The IATA issues two types of AWBs: airline-specific and neutral. Each carries essentials like carrier name, address, logo, and an AWB number. Some airlines have moved to electronic air waybills (e-AWBs), facilitating the digitized tracking and processing introduced by the Multilateral Electronic Air Waybill Resolution 672.
e-AWBs in Modern Shipping
With the e-AWBs introduced in 2010 and mandated by 2019, paper air waybills are now antiquated except in certain cases. E-AWBs offer streamlined, efficient, and environmentally friendly shipping documentation.
Creation and Availability of Air Waybills
Provided by the IATA and signed by both the shipper and the carrier, AWBs represent over 80% of all air traffic. Carriers like FedEx and UPS offer streamlined access to these digital versions for hassle-free shipments.
Detailed Requirements Covered by AWBs
Each AWB includes names and addresses of both shipper and recipient, valuation of cargo, airport codes, number of pieces, weight, description, and any specific instructions, forming a detailed contract covering contract conditions.
Easy Access to Air Waybills
Both IATA’s portal and carrier-specific platforms like FedEx offer easy access to AWB forms, further simplifying the process for shippers.
Conclusion
For international shipping, understanding and efficiently using an air waybill is pivotal. As a legally binding contract, it captures the shipment’s essence and ensures both the shipper and the carrier are on the same page. With modern advances, including e-AWBs, international shipment documentation has become more accessible and streamlined.
Related Terms: Bill of Lading, Logistics, Freight Forwarding, Carrier Contract, Non-Negotiable Instrument.
References
- International Air Transport Association. “Resolution 672-Form of Multilateral E-Air Waybill Agreement”.
- International Air Transport Association. “e-AWB”.
- International Air Transport Association. “About Us”.
- FedEx. “Quick Form”.
