---
title: "What does Air waybill (AWB) mean in logistics | SSL"
description: "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"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-air-waybill-awb-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-air-waybill-awb-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-11-11
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · 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](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

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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](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#air-waybill)

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

## Related questions

- [What does Belly cargo mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-belly-cargo-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Chargeable weight mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-chargeable-weight-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does IATA cargo agent mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-iata-cargo-agent-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Regulated agent (BCAS) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-regulated-agent-bcas-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Sea waybill mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-sea-waybill-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does ULD (unit load device) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-uld-unit-load-device-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#air-waybill)
- [Air waybill (AWB): related page](https://safeandsecure.in/services/air-freight/)

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-air-waybill-awb-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-11-11). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/