AIR WAY BILL

AWB (Air Way Bill) is a consignment note for transportation by air. It is the main document used for transportation of cargoes by plane. The waybill contains comprehensive information about the cargo being transported. It shall be filled in only in English. International air way bill shall be issued in three copies. First copy (signed by forwarder) is retained by the consignor; second (signed by the consignor and the forwarder) accompanies the cargo and shall be given to the consignee; and third copy shall be retained by the carrier, i.e. air transport company. The additional copies for dispatch and destination airports may also be used together with original copies. If the cargo is damaged, broken or lost during transportation by air, the air transport company shall compensate the damages. Maximum liability limit (regardless fluctuation of the rate of exchange) for the international air transport is 20 USD per gross kg.

Each AWB has its unique 11 digit number which allows tracking of cargo location until its arrival into the airport of destination. Each airline has its own identification number which is first three digits of air way bill. The two types of way bills are used in the air transportation: House and Maser.

1. AWB (House Air Way Bill) is a domestic consignment note. This document of air transportation is not obligatory unless the cargo is addressed to the consignee’s agent, but not to the consignee himself/herself/itself. House Air Way Bill is used in order to carry out customs services and to establish the transportation rates. Also this document may contain all necessary information about the cargo, its specifications, cargo accompanying documents or contract number. The document may be filled in considering the customer’s requests and established requirements.

2. AWB (Master Air Way Bill) is an external consignment note. The document is intended for the companies handling the cargo: airline company, consignor’s agent, consignee’s agent, terminal of the dispatch airport, terminal of the destination airport and other companies engaged in handling of cargo during transportation by planes. The Master Air Way Bill shall be filled in according to the rules of the International Air Transport Association. Failure to observe the rules may lead to difficulties during cargo transportation. In case of absence of House Air Way Bill, the Master Air Way Bill functions as both way bills.