Sourcing glossary
Air waybill
Also known as: AWB, Air consignment note, MAWB, HAWB
The transport document for air cargo, issued by the airline or its agent, that serves as a receipt for the goods and evidence of the contract of carriage but, unlike an original bill of lading, is not a document of title.
Because an air waybill is non-negotiable, the goods are released to the consignee named on it, not to whoever holds a paper original. That matters for payment: once your supplier's goods fly with you as consignee, the supplier has no document left to hold back, so settle the balance before handover or use another safeguard.
Each AWB has an 11-digit number (a three-digit airline prefix plus eight digits) that you can use to track the shipment on the airline's site. Consolidated shipments have a master AWB from the airline and a house AWB from the forwarder. See sea vs air vs rail vs express for when air freight makes sense.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Compliance
Importing from China to Peru: SUNAT Duties, IGV, Thresholds and the FTA
How a Peruvian importer clears goods from China: the US$200 and US$2,000 thresholds, ad valorem 0/6/11%, IGV and IPM, IGV perception, customs agents and the China FTA.
Updated 2026-10-14 · 6 min read
Compliance
Import Taxes from China to Mexico: Duty, IVA, DTA and the 33.5% Courier Rate
What a Mexican importer pays on goods from China in 2026: IGI by tariff line (5–50% since January), 16% IVA, DTA, antidumping quotas, the 33.5% courier rate, an example.
Updated 2026-10-14 · 7 min read
QC
Defective Goods from China: What to Do When Your Order Arrives Wrong
Defective goods from a Chinese supplier? How to document evidence, use your PO terms, negotiate a fix, file Trade Assurance or insurance claims, and prevent repeats.
Updated 2026-09-21 · 5 min read
Part of Shipping & Logistics.