Air Waybill

What is Air Waybill?

An air waybill is a crucial document that serves as a contract between a shipper and an airline company for the transportation of goods. It contains vital information such as the details of the consignment, the names and addresses of the shipper and consignee, the weight and dimensions of the goods, and other necessary information related to the shipment. 

In this blog, we will explore the different types of air waybills used in the Indian goods transport marketplace, why they are important, the obstacles faced in their implementation, and the way forward.

Key Takeaways

• An air waybill is a document serving as a contract between a shipper and an airline company
• The two types of air waybills commonly used in the Indian goods transport marketplace are the house air waybill (HAWB) and the master air waybill (MAWB)
• The air waybill is essential for customs clearance and serves as proof of contract, evidence of goods received, and contains details of the shipment
• Obstacles faced in the implementation of air waybills include a lack of awareness among shippers and consignees and the complexity of the documentation process
• To overcome these obstacles, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate shippers and consignees, simplify the documentation process, and integrate air waybills with other logistics processes

Types of Air Waybill

There are two types of air waybills commonly used in the Indian goods transport marketplace: the house air waybill (HAWB) and the master air waybill (MAWB). The HAWB is issued by a freight forwarder or a consolidator, and it covers the shipment of goods from the origin to the destination. The MAWB, on the other hand, is issued by the airline company and covers the transportation of goods from the airport of origin to the airport of destination. The HAWB is an essential document for shippers, while the MAWB is crucial for the airline company.

Why is Air Waybill Important?

The market for air freight is poised to grow significantly at a CAGR of 6% by 2027. Thus, the importance of an air waybill can be adequately justified to grow in a directly proportional manner. There are several reasons why it is essential in the goods transportation industry. Firstly, it serves as proof of contract between the shipper and the goods transporting company. It also serves as evidence to ensure that the right goods are sent to the receiver, as it contains details of the shipment, such as the weight, dimensions, and quantity. The air waybill is also essential for customs clearance, as it contains information required by customs officials, such as the nature of the goods, the country of origin, and the value of the shipment.

Obstacles and How to Overcome Them

One of the main obstacles faced in the implementation of airwaybills is the lack of awareness among shippers and consignees. Many small-scale shippers are unaware of the essentiality of an air waybill, and they tend to ignore the documentation process. This can lead to delays in the transportation of goods and can cause problems during customs clearance. To overcome this, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate shippers and consignees on the importance of air waybills. Freight forwarders and consolidators can play a vital role in this regard by providing information and guidance to shippers on the documentation process.

Another obstacle is the complexity of the documentation process itself. Many shippers find the process of filling out air waybills to be confusing and time-consuming resulting in errors and delays in the procedure. To cope with this, it is essential to simplify the overall process of documentation. It can be done through the use of technology, such as electronic air waybills. These can aid in streamlining the process and make it more user-friendly. The use of standardised forms and templates can also help to reduce errors and make the process more efficient.

The Way Forward

The implementation of electronic air waybills (e-AWB) can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance transparency in the documentation process. Additionally, the integration of air waybills with other logistics processes, such as warehousing and last-mile delivery, is likely to enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain in the Indian goods transport marketplace. Vahak is one of the industry leaders and it is keeping pace with the transformations to offer the best services to its customers. Contact Us now. 

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