What is AWB Number? A Guide to Air Freight Tracking

Have you ever wondered how your air shipment travels across the globe and how you are able to trace your shipment? An AWB number can give that answer! If you've ever had to ship or receive an air freight package, then you've probably seen this mysterious series of numbers gracefully sketched out in your air freight shipping papers.

What does it mean, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down in simple terms and see how an AWB number helps keep your shipment on track.

What is AWB Number?

An AWB is also called Air Waybill and is very crucial to air freight shipments because it serves as a receipt and also a tracking tool. It has its assigned unique number for each shipment, which helps to distinguish one consignment from the other. Airlines issue it with an international prefix, which identifies the carrier and flight details.

This document acts as a contract between the seller, buyer, and carrier, outlining the shipment terms. It is also used as a freight insurance certificate, customs declaration, and invoice among many other things.

It contains key shipment details like tracking number, origin, and destination, number of packages, and mode of payment. The shipment AWB number is important in tracking the shipment and ensuring its smooth movement.

Each AWB number has a defined pattern which helps in better tracking of cargo by airlines and their shippers. It is a set of codes and not a random number - it contains important information regarding the carrier and the shipment. Let's see how to decode an AWB number.

AWB Number Structure

As we see in the above image, there are 11 digits in an AWB Number

The first 3 digits indicate the airline code
The next 7 digits represent the unique serial number for the shipment.
The last number is the check digit used for validation.

Now that we know how an AWB number is structured, let's see why it is important to us. This number gets air freight on its way, from tracking shipments to clearing customs. Here is why it becomes so important and how it is used.

Why the AWB Number Matters and How It's Used

AWB is a distinct number - it provides more than just tracking: it opens up for efficient shipment, customs clearing, as well as accountability in air cargo. It helps keep shipments organized and in line whether you're a business or a recipient. Let us explore its importance and uses.

Why is the AWB Number Important?

Shipping Evidence & Receipt : The AWB number serves as formal evidence that the consignment was handed over to the airline for transporting goods. It also records the shipper, known as the consignor, and the consignee, known as the party who is entitled to the delivery of the goods, and their contact details.
Airline & Flight Identification: Every Airway Bill number shows the airline transporting the goods as well as facts including the cargo weight, packing dimensions, and connecting airports. It comprises flight numbers and transits so that when a shipment moves, it is entirely clear.
Unique Tracking Code: Each and every AWB number may differ from each other and each AWB number can be used to separate one shipment from another. The MAWB is a standardized 11-digit number: the first three digits show the air carrier code, followed by a set number and a check digit validating it (for example, Singapore Airlines - 618 and Air France - 057).
Consolidation & House Airway Bills (HAWB): Freight forwarders will issue a House Airway Bill (HAWB) once the shipper merges two or more consignments into one shipment. The layout could vary in this case, allowing the logistics provider for a suitable format it considers appropriate for bulk shipments. Meaning, that while an HAWB is usually comparable to an MAWB, it does not have a specific format.
Customs Clearance & Compliance: The AWB works as a customs declaration through which the officers get information about the cargo such as its value, type, and country of origin. This helps assess import duty and taxes, as well as compliance with regulations.

How is the AWB Number Used?

Shipment Tracking: By accessing the logistics provider websites and entering the tracking number, one can be able to see the progress of the shipment being accomplished in real-time - the shipment, therefore, follows the journey itself.
Verification of Flight & Delivery Details: The security covered by airlines ensures the accurate routing of goods from their origin, connecting points, and final destination.
Claims & Dispute Resolution: If any of the goods are lost or damaged, the AWB number is what will be used for claiming airlines or insurance.
Courier & E-Commerce Shipments: Major logistics companies like Velocity Express, FedEx, TNT, and eBay also issue AWB to track and manage deliveries.

The AWB number generation processed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) manages and ensures consistency in all air cargo worldwide. Each AWB adheres to a strict set of formatting guidelines, concerning the airline's branding and the unique numbering attributed.

An AWB number acts as the backbone of air freight, ensuring a seamless movement of cargo with transparency and efficiency. Therefore, whether you are a company, a logistics provider, or someone tracking a shipment, it is helpful for you to know about it so you can remain informed and in control.

Track Every Move with Velocity Express

Velocity Express provides end-to-end visibility and tracking for your shipment. This real-time tracking system will allow for transparency and peace of mind by enabling you to track your package from the pickup point to delivery.

Key Features :

Real-Time Tracking: At any time, you can view up-to-date information on your shipment's whereabouts and status.
Comprehensive Services: At Velocity Express, it is our commitment to provide customized solutions to meet your specific forwarding needs, whether that mode be air transport, sea transport, or courier services.
User-Friendly Interface: You can monitor them quickly and easily because that's their domain, plus a ship-tracking interface to enjoy once they come to visit it.

Velocity Express is known for its reliable shipping service. It carefully meets all shipping requirements with precision.

Wrapping Up

An AWB number is the backbone that gives efficient and transparent movement of cargo. Whether it is a business, a logistic provider, or a person tracking the shipment, an understanding of AWBs keeps you informed and in control.

You can count on the Velocity Express to move your goods on time while offering top-notch visibility and tracking solutions.