Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Air waybill (AWB) mean in logistics?

Short answer

The transport document for air cargo, serving as the contract of carriage and receipt. Unlike an ocean bill of lading it is non-negotiable and is not a document of title.

AWB numbers are 11 digits, starting with the airline’s three-digit prefix. Indian exporters and importers track air cargo against the AWB, and customs filings at air cargo complexes reference the MAWB and HAWB. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
AWB, MAWB, HAWB
Category
Air, sea & rail
Related terms
IATA cargo agent, Freight forwarder, Chargeable weight, Bill of lading (B/L)

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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