With the development of global trade and international transportation, the fast and safe transportation of goods has gained great importance. In this context, air transportation has become a preferred method especially for the transportation of goods that require fast delivery. In air transportation, one of the most important documents regulating the transportation and receipt of goods is known as Air Waybill. In this article, detailed information about what the Air Waybill is, its functions, types and its importance in air transportation will be presented.
What is an Airway Bill of Lading?
An Air Way Bill of Lading (AWB) is a document used in air transportation that regulates the carriage of goods and constitutes a contract between the carrier and the shipper. This document indicates that the goods have been delivered to the carrier by the shipper and that the carrier undertakes to deliver these goods to the specified destination. The AWB is a binding document for both the shipper and the carrier and is issued in accordance with international air transportation rules.
Functions of the Airway Bill of Lading
The Air Waybill performs a number of important functions in air transportation:
- Contract of Carriage: The AWB creates a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. This contract sets out the conditions and responsibilities for the transportation of the goods.
- Transport Document: The AWB proves that the goods have been delivered by the shipper to the carrier and that the carrier has accepted those goods. This document is used to track and verify the process of transportation of goods.
- Customs Document: The AWB contains the information required for customs clearance and is submitted to customs authorities. This document shows that the goods have been legally transported and the import or export procedures have been completed.
- Insurance Certificate: The AWB proves that the goods being transported are covered by insurance. This document is required for insurance claims to be made in case of any damage or loss.
Types of Airway Bill of Lading
There are different types of Air Waybills. These types may differ according to the nature of the goods being transported, the mode of transport and the requirements of the transportation. The main types of AWB are:
- Master Air Waybill (MAWB): The MAWB is a collective bill of lading issued by the carrier and includes the goods of more than one shipper. This type of AWB is usually used by a transportation company or logistics service provider.
- House Air Waybill (HAWB): A HAWB is a type of AWB issued by a freight forwarder and not by the carrier. The HAWB covers goods belonging to a specific shipper and is used in conjunction with the MAWB.
- Consolidated Air Waybill: This type of AWB regulates the transportation of multiple small shipments as one large shipment. Consolidation is done in order to reduce transportation costs and increase efficiency.
Contents of the Airway Bill of Lading
The Air Waybill contains detailed information about the identity, quantity, value and conditions of carriage of the goods being transported. The basic elements of an AWB are:
- Sender Information: Name, address and contact details of the sender.
- Buyer Information: Recipient’s name, address and contact information.
- Carrier Information: Carrier company name and contact information.
- Flight and Arrival Information: Flight number, departure and arrival airports, estimated time of arrival.
- Goods Information: Description, quantity, weight and value of the goods being transported.
- Terms of Transportation: Transportation conditions, insurance information, transportation fee payable.
- Signatures and Acknowledgments: Signatures and dates of the shipper and carrier.
Importance of Airway Bill of Lading
The Air Waybill is critical for the orderly, safe and efficient conduct of air transportation. The importance of this document can be analyzed under the following headings:
- Legal Validity: The AWB is issued in accordance with international air transportation rules and has legal validity. This document determines the legal responsibilities between the carrier and the shipper.
- Track and Trace: The AWB enables the tracking of each stage of the transported goods. This document is used to keep track of where the goods are and when they will be delivered.
- Customs Clearance: The AWB contains all the information required for customs clearance and proves that the goods have been legally transported. This document is submitted to customs authorities and ensures that import/export procedures are completed quickly and smoothly.
- Insurance and Claims Management: The AWB indicates that the transported goods are covered by insurance. In case of any damage or loss, this document is required for insurance claims to be made.
Digitalization of the Airway Bill of Lading
Nowadays, digitalization and technological developments are creating a major transformation in the logistics industry. Electronic Air Waybill (e-AWB) systems are replacing traditional paper-based AWBs. e-AWB enables a faster, safer and more efficient transaction in air transportation:
- Speed and Efficiency: e-AWB systems speed up document preparation and approval processes. In this way, the transportation and delivery of goods takes place in less time.
- Security and Traceability: Digital systems enable AWB documents to be stored and tracked securely. The risk of documents being forged or lost is reduced.
- Cost Savings: Elimination of paper-based processes reduces document management and postage costs. It also saves on labor costs.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduced paper consumption reduces environmental impact and makes a significant contribution to sustainability.
The Air Waybill is a vital document for the efficient and safe conduct of air transportation. This document plays a critical role at every stage of the transportation process and ensures the orderly functioning of international trade. With digitalization, e-AWB systems offer a faster, safer and more efficient process in air transport. Professionals in the logistics industry should understand the importance and functioning of the Air Waybill and continuously improve their processes by following new technologies. In this way, the flow of global trade can be ensured more smoothly and efficiently.
