What is AWB Number: Definition, Importance, and Benefits

Sanidhya Negi / July 18, 2024

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When you book a courier service for air transport, you receive an 11-digit number known as the AWB Number or Air Waybill Number. This unique identifier acts as a ticket to track your shipment’s journey, providing a clear, real-time view of its status from dispatch to delivery. Each airline assigns its own unique AWB numbers, ensuring that every shipment is distinctly traceable.

Understanding the importance of AWB numbers can greatly enhance your business operations. They offer invaluable insights and transparency, allowing customers to monitor their shipments with ease and confidence. Let’s dive deeper into the guide to discover the role AWB numbers play in air shipping and how they can benefit your business.

What is AWB Number?

AWB or AIR Waybill Number is a document with a unique code of 11-digit which is used for transporting goods. The complete meaning of every digit of an AWB number is mentioned below.

• The first 3-digit depicts airline prefix 
• The following 7-digit is a serial number 
• The last digit is the check digit

This document is non-negotiable and is issued by a carrier, containing the information of the sender and receiver. An AWB number is vital for logistics and seamless operation. Here’s an example of an AWB number: 145-97836239, where 145 represents the airline prefix, 9783623 is the serial number, and 9 is the check digit.

Importance of Airwaybill Number 

An AWB number provides information about the sender, recipient, and airline. Some of its important uses are given below.

Receipt proof: An Airway Bill number acts as proof of goods receipt that includes some terms and conditions of transportation. This receipt contains details related to address, contacts, consignee names, and consignor. 

Carrier Identification: It gives details about dispatch, intermediate, and final destination airport. With that, it also provides the details of which airline is carrying the goods from its arrival date to the destination time and date. 

Track Details: AWB number helps you track the status of the location and the details of the cargo. You will always get to have real-time tracking. This keeps a transparent check on the shipment. 

Proof of Delivery: An airway bill also serves as a piece of evidence that the consignee has received the shipment. This shows there is no room left for any loss as it stores all the information about your shipment and also the proof of delivery. 

Customs Declaration: Additionally it helps to access the value of goods, determine the amount of taxes payable on goods, and act as a customs declaration document for clearance. 

Information provided on the AWB Number 

An AWB number provides several pieces of information. Here is the list of information that is mentioned on the AIR Waybill Number: 

• Shipper’s name and address
• Consignee’s name and address
• Description of goods, packing, and container
• Specific marks for important product identification
• Full Container Load (FCL) identification 
• Issuing dates and signature 
• Prepaid freight or collected freight clauses 
• Transit places 

How to track shipment using AWB Number

AWB number makes tracking very simple and straightforward. You can track your shipment using an AWB number by following the below steps.

1. Open the app or website of the courier company.
2. Sign into your account.
3. Select the order you want to track from the order section.
4. Find the AWB number/ go to search option and type the AWB number of your order.
5. The current status of your shipment will be displayed on the screen.

Note: The tracking steps can vary depending on which platform you are on.  

Difference between AWB and Bill of Lading

Here are the key differences between an Air Waybill (AWB) and a Bill of Lading in the shipping and logistics industry.

Airway Bill	Bill of Lading
Airway Bill is used in the air freight industry.	Bill of lading is used in the sea freight industry.
It is non-negotiable.	It can be negotiated.
It does not have any ownership.	It has a title of ownership.
Requires 3 original and 5 copies.	Requires 3 originals and 3 copies.

Advantages of AWB Number 

An Air Waybill (AWB) number provides crucial information about various factors involved in air freight, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of dispatched shipments. Here are some key benefits:

Real-Time Tracking: The AWB number enables businesses to track their shipments from origin to current status by ensuring transparency and eliminating uncertainty. This smart tracking feature reduces the need for customer assistance staff to handle queries.

Reliability: Digital storage of AWB information keeps data safe and secure. It reduces the risk of losing important documentation. AWB number also ensures timely delivery of shipments without delays.

Minimizes Operational Costs: Companies and businesses can check shipment status directly without relying on third-party services or stakeholders. This saves time and labor resources which is otherwise spent on communication.

Increases Productivity: Through AWB number customers receive real-time visibility of shipment information by eliminating the need to compare data with system records. This reduces waiting time and ensures a smooth, uninterrupted flow of shipment.

Challenges faced by AWB Number

While AWB numbers offer numerous digital benefits for transparency and shipment safety, they also face several challenges. Some of the main challenges are mentioned below.

Connectivity Issues: Forwarders often need to connect with multiple airlines separately, which can be complex and time-consuming.

Low message quality: Electronic communication can sometimes be unreliable due to conditions like weather, slowing down the processing and causing delays.

Regulatory Constraints: Changes in policies or government restrictions can limit the use of digital formatting. As a result, many airlines still rely on paper documentation which hinders the full adoption of digital AWBs.

Bigship’s Air Freight Solutions 

Bigship offers advanced and effective air freight solutions at very affordable prices, serving the requirements of both domestic and international needs. Key features include:

Domestic and International Services: Bigship provides comprehensive air freight solutions for both local and global shipments.

Fast Delivery: Goods are delivered within 1-2 days, ensuring timely arrival without delays.

Cash on Delivery: Bigship offers COD payment for added convenience and flexibility.

Efficient Pick and Delivery: At Bigship e-commerce businesses get tailored services for their air shipment, ensuring smooth operations.

Top Courier Partners: Bigship collaborates with leading partners such as DHL, Delhivery, BlueDart, ExpressBees, and FedEx.

Easy Shipment Tracking: You can track your shipment effortlessly using the AWB Number.

Sign up with Bigship to get reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions designed to meet your business needs.

Conclusion 

An AWB number is essential for businesses engaged in air freight. It provides vital information for tracking shipments, ensuring reliability, and minimizing operational costs. Despite some challenges, such as connectivity issues and regulatory constraints, the advantages of using AWB numbers far outweigh the drawbacks. 

Bigship’s advanced air freight solutions offer efficient, reliable, and cost-effective services for both domestic and international needs. With features like real-time tracking, fast delivery, and partnerships with top courier companies, Bigship is an excellent choice for businesses looking to streamline their shipping processes. You can always utilize the AWB number to enhance productivity, ensure timely deliveries, and maintain transparency throughout the shipping journey.

FAQs

Ques: What is AWB full form?

Ans: The full form of AWB number is Airway Bill number.

Ques: What should I do if I can’t find the AWB number?

Ans: If you can’t find your AWB number in the confirmation email, check the order receipt. If it’s not there, contact the courier company with the receipt details. They can provide the transit location where your package was last scanned, helping you track your shipment.

Ques: How can I track my courier using the AWB number?

Ans: To track your shipment, go to your courier provider’s website, navigate to the ‘Track Parcel’ section, enter the AWB number, and click ‘Search.’ This will ultimately display the current status of your courier.

Ques: How long is an AWB number?

Ans: AWB number is an 11-digit number whose first three digits depicts the airline prefix, the following 7 digits are serial numbers, and the last digit is the check digit.

Ques: Is AWB number unique?

Ans: Yes, AWB number is unique for every shipment.