What is the difference between an MAWB and an HAWB?

The MAWB (master AWB) is issued by the airline. The HAWB (house AWB) is issued by the freight forwarder for the customer. With consolidated cargo there is one MAWB and several HAWBs.

Can I take delivery of the goods with the AWB?

No, the original AWB is not needed. The consignee is named in the AWB and is notified directly when the goods arrive.

AWB Air Waybill – The Air Consignment Note

AWB (Air Waybill): The Air Consignment Note Explained

The AWB (air waybill) is the central document in air freight. It combines the contract of carriage and the receipt of goods in a single document and is issued by the carrier or the freight forwarder. Unlike the bill of lading in sea freight, the AWB is not transferable and is not a document of title.

Last updated 21 August 2026 · NexCargo GmbH

At a Glance

Issued by: Airline (MAWB) or freight forwarder (HAWB)
Transferable?: No – not a negotiable document
AWB number: 11 digits to the IATA standard
Valid for: All IATA member airlines

The function of the AWB

The AWB fulfils four essential functions. It is evidence of the air carriage contract between consignor and carrier. It confirms that the carrier has taken over the goods. It contains the customs particulars and serves as the basis for customs clearance. And it is the basis for freight billing and insurance cover.

Types of AWB

There are two types: the master AWB (MAWB), issued by the airline or IATA carrier, and the house AWB (HAWB), which the freight forwarder issues for the sender. With consolidated cargo the forwarder bundles several HAWB consignments under one MAWB with the carrier.

What an AWB contains

Mandatory content under IATA rules: consignor and consignee with full addresses, airports of departure and destination, a description of the goods, the number and type of packages, the weight (gross and volumetric), freight costs and payment terms, the declared value for customs and insurance, and the AWB number (11 digits, IATA standard).

AWB vs bill of lading

The essential difference: the bill of lading is a negotiable document of title – whoever holds the original can take delivery of the goods. The AWB is merely a contract of carriage; the consignee is named and only they can collect the goods. That makes air freight less flexible than sea freight in payment terms, but faster and simpler to handle.