What is an Air Waybill?

What is an Air Waybill (AWB)?
The Air Waybill (AWB) is a bill of lading used for air cargo shipments like the Bill of Lading is used for ocean freight and CMR is used for road transport. This document is proof of agreement between the shipper and carrier and contains information about the goods, where they are coming from and where they are going. Usually the air freight forwarder prepares the Air Waybill, this does not have to be done by the carrier (airline) itself. An air cargo shipment will not be accepted by an airline without an Air Waybill.

E-Air Waybill
The E-Air Waybill is the digital variant of the paper Air Waybill. The use of this variant is experiencing strong growth. It leads to greater efficiency and further sustainability of operations.

House Air Waybill and Master Air Waybill
When several air cargo shipments from different consignors are consolidated (merged), a House Air Waybill is used instead of an Air Waybill. This is usually slightly less complex than the Air Waybill. The Master Air Waybill is thereby the document used as proof of agreement between the carrier and forwarder/forwarder.

With air freight offices in Amsterdam and Brussels, Rotra has a worldwide network of locally specialized agents. In addition to attractive pricing, we ship shipments end-to-end under our own management where we also provide pre- and on-carriage. Would you like further information from one of our air freight specialists? For more info contact us directly.