Procurement Glossary
Air Waybill (AWB): Air waybill for international shipments
November 19, 2025
The Air Waybill (AWB) is a central transport document in international air freight traffic that acts as a consignment note, confirmation of receipt and contract of carriage. It is indispensable for buyers when handling global supply chains and tracking air freight shipments. Find out below what an air waybill is, how it is used in procurement and which operational key figures are relevant.
Key Facts
- Unique 11-digit number for worldwide identification of air freight shipments
- Legally binding contract of carriage between shipper and carrier
- Contains all relevant information on the sender, recipient, freight and transportation conditions
- Enables seamless shipment tracking in the global supply chain
- Basis for customs clearance and insurance claims for air freight transportation
Contents
Definition and meaning of Air Waybill (AWB)?
The Air Waybill is the most important document in air freight transport and serves as the legal basis for the transportation of goods by air.
Essential components of the Air Waybill
A complete AWB contains the following core elements:
- Unique AWB number for shipment identification
- Full details of sender and recipient
- Detailed description of goods with weight and dimensions
- Transportation conditions and Incoterms agreements
Air Waybill vs. Bill of Lading
In contrast to the bill of lading for sea freight, the AWB is not a document of ownership, but exclusively a proof of transportation. It cannot be transferred and only authorizes the named consignee to accept the goods.
Importance of Air Waybill in Procurement
For procurement managers, the AWB is a critical management tool for monitoring international deliveries. It enables shipments to be tracked precisely and forms the basis for customs clearance of imported goods.
Process, control and planning
The systematic processing of air waybills requires structured processes for the efficient handling of air freight shipments.
Preparation and issue of the AWB
The AWB is created by the shipper or their authorized representative and contains all transport-relevant information. Several copies are issued for the shipper, consignee and air freight carrier. When preparing the AWB, precise information on the value and description of the goods is crucial for subsequent customs clearance.
Tracking and shipment tracking
The AWB number enables seamless tracking of the shipment from dispatch to delivery. Modern tracking systems provide real-time updates on transport status and estimated arrival times. This transparency is of great importance for purchasing and delivery planning.
Integration into procurement logistics
The AWB is systematically integrated into the procurement processes in order to monitor delivery dates and detect deviations at an early stage. The documentation also supports the analysis of air freight cost components and the optimization of the transport strategy.
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Operational key figures for AWB
Relevant key figures enable the systematic evaluation of AWB processing and the optimization of air freight processes.
Processing time and lead times
The average processing time from AWB creation to goods handover is an important indicator of the efficiency of air freight processing. Target values are typically 24-48 hours for standard shipments. Deviations signal a need for optimization in the processes.
Error rate for AWB documentation
The number of incorrect or incomplete AWBs in relation to the total number of consignments indicates the quality of the documentation processes. An error rate of less than 2% is regarded as a benchmark for professional processing. Higher values require process improvements and training measures.
Cost transparency and freight cost analysis
The systematic recording of all AWB-related costs enables a detailed analysis of the air freight cost components. Key figures such as costs per kilogram or shipment support negotiations with carriers and the optimization of the transport strategy.
Supply and control risks at AWB
Incorrect or incomplete air waybills can lead to considerable delays and additional costs in procurement.
Documentation errors and compliance risks
Incomplete or incorrect information in the AWB can cause customs problems and lead to costly delays. Incorrect descriptions of goods or inaccurate value information are particularly critical and can result in compliance violations. A careful check of all AWB data is therefore essential.
Loss of shipment control
If the AWB is lost or damaged, it can be difficult to track the shipment. This leads to uncertainties in delivery planning and can affect overall production planning. Digital backup systems and redundant documentation minimize these risks.
Cost risks due to incorrect processing
Incorrect AWB processing can lead to unexpected demurrage costs or storage fees. Delays in customs clearance due to incomplete documentation cause additional costs and affect delivery dates.
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Practical example
An automotive supplier receives urgently needed electronic components from Asia by air freight. The AWB contains the precise description of the goods, the value of EUR 50,000 and the CIP Frankfurt agreement. The AWB number allows the buyer to track the shipment in real time and prepare for customs clearance in good time. On arrival, the complete AWB enables a smooth handover to production, avoiding downtime.
- Precise documentation prevents customs delays
- Real-time tracking enables proactive planning
- Complete AWB data speeds up the handover of goods
Current developments and effects
Digitalization and new technologies are fundamentally changing the handling of air waybills and creating new opportunities for procurement.
Electronic Air Waybills (e-AWB)
The transition to electronic AWBs reduces paperwork and speeds up processing considerably. E-AWBs enable seamless integration into digital procurement systems and improve data quality. Automated processing reduces sources of error and increases efficiency in the supply chain.
AI-supported document processing
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the processing of AWB data through automatic text recognition and data extraction. Machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies in transport documents and identify compliance risks at an early stage. These technologies support buyers in proactive risk assessment.
Blockchain integration for transparency
Blockchain technology creates immutable records of AWB transactions and increases transparency in the supply chain. Smart contracts can enable automatic payment triggers upon delivery confirmation and shorten processing times.
Conclusion
The Air Waybill is an indispensable tool for the professional handling of international air freight shipments in procurement. The correct handling and systematic monitoring of AWB processes contributes significantly to the efficiency and legal certainty of global supply chains. Modern digital solutions and AI-supported systems offer new possibilities for optimizing document processing. Buyers should continuously monitor KPIs and regularly adjust processes to minimize risks and optimize costs.
FAQ
What is the difference between Master AWB and House AWB?
The Master AWB is issued by the carrier and covers the entire shipment, while the House AWB is issued by the forwarder for individual shipments within a consolidated shipment. For buyers, the House AWB is mostly relevant as it identifies the specific shipment.
How long is an Air Waybill valid for?
An AWB has no fixed period of validity, but remains active until the shipment has been fully processed. After delivery, it serves as proof of transportation and should be kept for warranty and insurance purposes.
What information is mandatory for the creation of the AWB?
Complete sender and recipient details, precise description of goods, weight, dimensions, value of goods and the agreed transport conditions are mandatory. Incomplete information can lead to delays in customs clearance.
Can an Air Waybill be changed retrospectively?
Modifications to the AWB are only possible prior to transportation and with the consent of all parties involved. Modifications after the start of transportation are generally excluded in order to ensure legal certainty. Therefore, a careful examination prior to issue is crucial.
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